The historic pairing of LeBron James and his son Bronny on the Los Angeles Lakers has captivated the NBA world, but the novelty of the first father-son duo sharing a roster also comes with a striking financial contrast.
Video shows the striking gap in salaries between LeBron and Bronny James
The salary gap between the two is enormous, underscoring both LeBron’s status as one of the league’s highest-paid superstars and Bronny‘s position as a rookie still finding his footing in the NBA.
LeBron, now 40, is earning $48.7 million during the 2024-25 season on his Lakers contract, a figure that does not include bonuses or off-court sponsorship income. When broken down further, that salary translates to roughly $92.60 per minute. Bronny, by comparison, earns approximately $1.16 million in his rookie season, or about $2.20 per minute, highlighting a disparity that has been widely shared and discussed across social media.
Bronny’s overall earning potential is bolstered by endorsement
Bronny joined the Lakers last summer after being selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old signed a four-year contract worth $7.9 million, with his salary set to rise gradually each season. He is scheduled to earn $1,157,143 in 2024-25, $1,955,377 in 2025-26, $2,296,271 in 2026-27, and $2,486,955 in 2027-28, the final year of which is a team option.
Despite the gap in base salary, Bronny‘s overall earning potential is bolstered by endorsement deals, including a reported partnership with Nike. Those off-court opportunities significantly increase his total income and reflect his visibility as both a young NBA player and the son of one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
LeBron, meanwhile, remains one of the league’s financial heavyweights. He has been with the Lakers since 2018, following his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, opting to stay in Los Angeles rather than test free agency. His decision ensures that the father-son pairing will continue, at least in the short term, while also maintaining his place among the NBA’s top earners.
The focus remains on development and growth
For Bronny, the focus remains on development rather than comparisons. After joining his father on the Lakers roster, he emphasized that playing alongside LeBron James was not his primary goal, although it’s a great learning experience.
“I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day,” he said. “I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”
While the salary gap between LeBron and Bronny is massive, it reflects two very different stages of an NBA career. One is a four-time champion and global icon still commanding elite pay late into his career, and the other is a rookie beginning his journey, with time and opportunity to grow both on the court and financially.
