Bronny James has yet to make his mark with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that selected him late in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. He has played in under 33 percent of Los Angeles’ contests since the start of the 2024-25 regular season, and he’s scored just four points in the best basketball league in the world.
In addition, James’ appearance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 8 marked the first time that he’s seen the floor for the Lakers in nearly one month. He played against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 10.
However, while James might not be making a major impact on the floor for the Lakers to this point, he’s been an asset to the storied franchise off the court. The youngster has reportedly sold an excess of 500,000 jerseys and generated more than $50 million in revenue for the team.
James has set a new record for jersey sales from a first-year player, and he’s even sold more jerseys than his father ever did as a neophyte. In addition to his jersey sales, James has already obtained some lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Google, Beats by Dre and PSD Underwear.
The 20-year-old has spent more time lately with the Lakers’ G League affiliate — the South Bay Lakers — and he’s on the heels of some standout performances at that level.
Namely, he dropped 30 points on 13 made shots from the floor in South Bay’s six-point loss to the Valley Suns on Dec. 12. Eddie Johnson blasted James’ naysayers following his scoring outburst against the Suns, as he referred to those who hate on the former University of Southern California alum as “roaches.”
It’s of note that James also totaled 16 points against the San Diego Clippers on Dec. 7 and finished with that same point total when South Bay took on the Suns once again on Dec. 13.
South Bay is scheduled to have a sizable break following its Dec. 13 contest against the Suns, however, so fans should expect to wait a while before they can see James suit up in another G League contest. The Lakers won’t play again until they take on the Cleveland Charge on Dec. 27, which is almost a fortnight away at this time.
