Bronny James might not have the greatest of starts to his NBA career, but the hype surrounding the son of LeBron James is real. According to the latest reports, Bronny James has generated more revenue from jersey sales than his father did in his rookie year.
Bronny Surpasses LeBron’s Rookie Year Jersey Sales
Bronny has already sold more than 500,000 jerseys, generating more than $50 million in revenue in the process. That is an impressive number for a 55th pick, something that has never happened in the history of the league. No other player drafted so low has generated as much hype as Bronny has. Here is what Marca reported,
“Bronny has already shattered NBA records with his rookie jersey sales. Over 500,000 jerseys have been sold at around $100, generating more than $50 million in revenue for the Lakers. This surpasses even the rookie sales of his father, LeBron James.”
Considering the hype that LeBron James had when he entered the league in 2003, it is impressive that his son has generated even more revenue. LeBron was the self-proclaimed King when he entered the draft and was the most-hyped player heading into the draft likely of all-time. To be fair, his career has surpassed even the loftiest expectations people had put on him back then.
Most Popular Rookie
Bronny was drafted 55th overall, and he might be the most popular rookie of his class. According to an auction by Sotheby’s, Bronny’s Summer League debut jersey sold for a whopping $38,400. For comparison, Zaccharie Risacher’s jersey debut jersey sold for only $3,360. Bronny’s jersey was expected to sell for up to $10,000, but the final amount exceeded it.
Reed Sheppard’s jersey sold for $15,600. It is a rare class that many rookies are more popular than the No.1 pick. Yuki Kawamura, who went undrafted, gets the loudest cheer in every arena he plays.
The Lakers Made a Great Investment
The Lakers signed Bronny to a four-year, $7.9 million contract this summer. Many people criticized the Lakers for giving a fully guaranteed contract to a rookie drafted 55th overall. But looking at the Bronny James jersey sales, the young player has been a huge marketing success. He has generated revenue worth more than six times his contract from jersey sales alone. And when he plays in the G League, ticket prices soar.
Bronny Showing Signs of Improvement
Bronny has been balling lately in the G League. For two games in a row, he is setting career-highs. He scored 16 points with a huge signature chase-down block in one game, and then followed it up with a 30-point outing in the next one.
Like many young players, Bronny has had ups and downs. The Lakers made a good decision to assign him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Even when he was drafted, many considered him a developmental project, not a player ready for the NBA. He has had spot minutes in regular NBA games, but he is best suited in the G League.
Pegged as a 3-and-D wing entering the draft, he has shown flashes of how good he can be defensively. That chase-down block was something.
