There’s no telling exactly how Bronny James’ NBA career will unfold, but at least one fan seems confident in his future, based on the hefty sum they spent on a key piece of memorabilia from his first Summer League game. Despite being a rookie who still has much to prove, someone shelled out a staggering $38,400 for the jersey Bronny wore during his debut in the NBA Summer League—far exceeding the initial auction estimates of $6,000 to $10,000.
In June, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft. During his single season at USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over 25 games—a solid performance, but not the kind of numbers that typically lead to an NBA lottery selection. However, this wasn’t an ordinary draft pick. By selecting Bronny, the Lakers had the unique opportunity to bring in the son of one of the greatest basketball players in history: LeBron James.
As a result, the buzz surrounding Bronny’s entry into the NBA has been less about his individual stats and more about the historic prospect of him sharing the court with his legendary father. LeBron has openly expressed his desire to play alongside his son, and if all goes as planned, the 2024 season could see the two become the first father-son duo in NBA history to play in the same game. They would also be the first pair to compete in the league simultaneously.
Bronny, who will enter his rookie season shortly after turning 20, faces significant pressure to live up to the expectations that come with being LeBron James’ son. His Summer League performance didn’t exactly set the basketball world on fire—he averaged 8.8 points, 1 assist, and 3.5 rebounds over four games in Las Vegas, including a rough debut against the Sacramento Kings, where he scored just four points on 2-for-9 shooting.
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Despite these modest numbers, the jersey from that very game still fetched an astonishing price. The buyer, clearly hoping Bronny will surpass his early challenges, paid more than 10 times what first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher’s debut jersey sold for—$3,360.
While spending nearly $40,000 on a jersey from a game where the player scored just four points might seem like a risky investment, the allure of owning a piece of history, especially from the son of an NBA icon, is hard to deny.
If Bronny goes on to have a successful NBA career—particularly if he shares the court with his father—the value of that jersey could soar even higher.
For now, Bronny has his work cut out for him as he transitions from college to the pros. With the weight of his father’s legacy on his shoulders and the world’s eyes on him, the young guard will need to prove he belongs in the NBA.
Whether or not he meets those expectations, one thing is certain: his debut jersey has already become a valuable part of basketball history.
