Bronny James‘ rising popularity is making waves again as he’s just set a new record. The recent auction of his Summer League jersey with the Los Angeles Lakers has taken the sports memorabilia market by storm. This has once again showcased his potential as a burgeoning NBA talent and also the reputation of his family name.
The game-worn jersey was sold for an impressive $38,400 at Sotheby’s – one of the world’s largest brokers of art and collectibles. Bronny James wore the jersey on July 12, 2024, during a Summer League game against the Houston Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers eventually lost to the Rockets, 99-80, with the 19-year-old posting 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The sale also exceeded initial estimates of $6000-10000 and highlights the unprecedented hype surrounding the young player. Moreover, the price speaks volumes of his father’s legacy rubbing off on him. The Lakers superstar will also witness his high school jersey auction for up to $2 million later this month.
Since being drafted as the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the buzz around Bronny has soared tremendously, especially ahead of his rookie season with the Lakers which will see him share the court with LeBron James. It would also mark another historic moment, making the father-son duo the first ever to play together in NBA history. An achievement that the 4-time NBA champion is proud of.
Bronny James’ jersey number in rookie season with the Lakers revealed
After one year of college basketball with the USC Trojans, the Lakers surprised many when they drafted Bronny James. Especially as the youngster struggled with inconsistency throughout his brief freshman season at USC. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
However, he quickly improved his stock throughout the pre-draft process. As a result, he eased concerns about his jumper with an impressive shooting performance at the NBA draft combine. Following that, it didn’t take long for the franchise to announce his new jersey number after signing him.
James Jr. was also awarded a 4-year rookie contract that would pay him $7.89 million in total. He will become the first Laker to wear the No. 9 since Sterling Brown did during the 2022-23 season. Former 4-time All-Star Rajon Rondo also wore it during the team’s championship-winning year in 2020. Nonetheless, as the team prepares for the upcoming NBA season, LeBron and Bronny James will look to start on a solid footing.
