"Make money on a kid" - Gilbert Arenas breaks down Bronny James' profit potential for Lakers despite being 2nd round draft pick
There is a level of intrigue and anticipation surrounding Bronny James and how his first NBA season will turn out. Being the son of 20-time NBA All-Star LeBron James certainly carries weight and expectations, alongside playing for the Lakers franchise.
In the latest episode of Gil's Arena podcast, Gilbert Arenas broke down what the young guard's profit potential with the team would look like.
Bronny was drafted 55th overall by the Lakers and envisioned as a development player within the franchise. The defensive ability is there with the potential to further improve his shotmaking in the process of turning into a reliable rotation piece.
Arenas highlighted his jersey sales numbers as an excellent starting point for James' tenure with the Lakers, considering his four-year, $7.9 million contract.
"Lakers are happy with the Bronny pick because he's sold enough jerseys to make up for his contract," Arenas said. "He's equal money to the team itself so it's not like they lose money on a kid, they're going to make money on a kid."
The profit angle works in the favor of Bronny James and he hasn't even started to step on the NBA court yet. This sets up a great opportunity for him to continue honing and developing his skills and come back an even better all-around player for years to come.
LeBron James hypes up his position to play alongside his son Bronny James for the upcoming regular season
No NBA player has had the privilege or opportunity to play alongside their son in the professional league. It was either due to their inability to play long enough to reach their son's arrival or their son came up short in being selected by an NBA team.
This isn't the case for the duo of LeBron James and Bronny James. It has been years in the making and finally, it has become a reality. LeBron and Bronny are set to make history as the first father-and-son duo to play under one team in the league.
During a live segment of The Shop in Paris, the four-time MVP was very enthusiastic about the upcoming season, especially for the Lakers' training camp to finally kick in.
(18:43) "I am so excited for training camp," LeBron James said. "Having your son work with you, it's like the greatest thing. I can't wait for the moment. I really cannot wait to hit the floor, it's going to be pretty surreal for me."
It sets up a unique season for LeBron James as he will be navigating another 82-game grind while Bronny James will be learning the ropes under him and his peers.