Despite Having Never Played an NBA Game, Bronny James’ $5.9 Million NIL Earnings Set to Overshadow 8 Players on LeBron James’ Lakers

Bronny James, the son of LeBron James and a member of the star-studded USC Trojans, is quite the high-profile celebrity in the college basketball community. Having all eyes on him, the 19-year-old has endorsement deals from some of the biggest brands in the world. Due to all the deals with PSD Underwear, Beats by Dre, Nike, and FaZe Clan, Bronny has an impressive NIL (name, image, and likeliness) valuation.

Prior to the college basketball season commencing, On3sports released an entire list with the NIL valuations of different student-athletes across the country. According to the list, Bronny James led all athletes across all sports with a $5.9 million NIL valuation.

USC guard Bronny James holds a $5.9M On3 NIL Valuation, the most in College Athletics📈

2. Shedeur Sanders – $4.8M
3. Livvy Dunne – $3.2M
4. Arch Manning – $2.8M
5. Caleb Williams – $2.7M

NIL 100: https://t.co/cBDfg0AgAf pic.twitter.com/pUgfUSM8Bc

— On3 (@On3sports) October 18, 2023

$5.9 million is a huge amount, to say the least. After learning about the 19-year-old’s impressive NIL valuation, several fans almost immediately started comparing him to the salaries of the players on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bronny James earns more than 8 players on the Los Angeles Lakers

Bronny James’ reported NIL valuation was $7.2 million. But according to On3sports’ recent list, the 6ft 4” guard has a NIL valuation of $5.9 million. Despite seeing a $1.3 million dip, the athletic guard is earning more than eight members of the Los Angeles Lakers roster.

Youngsters like Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish, Max Christie, Christian Wood, Jalen Wood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Tauren Prince, and Maxwell Lewis are all integral members of the California side. Despite being valuable assets to the Purple & Gold franchise, all of these players are set to earn significantly less than Bronny’s $5.9 million figure.

There are only six players on the LAL roster who are earning more than $5.9 million. Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell are all earning between the $10-17 million range.

Whereas, Anthony Davis is about to be the recipient of $40 million. The highest-paid player on the team is Bronny’s father. With the virtue of the two-year, $99 million contract he signed last year, LeBron James will be raking in $47.6 million this season.

Bronny is eligible to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft

Several mock draft boards touted Bronny James to be a mid-first-round pick for the 2024 Draft. However, a few months ago, details of Bronny collapsing in practice made headlines. Reports revealed that the USC star had suffered a cardiac arrest.

After several months of inactivity, LeBron recently indicated that his eldest son would be making his return to the hardwood. Soon, many were speculating that the teenager, if he were to suit up for this campaign, would be on a minute restriction. Playing significantly less basketball than he would ideally hope to play, could have a massive effect on his draft board.