As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to build their roster, Blake Griffin’s old comments about Bronny James’ contract have resurfaced. His comments have again put attention on the nearly $8 million guaranteed deal.

The six-time NBA All-Star talked about James’ situation with Mark Normand and Sam Morril on the We Might Be Drunk Podcast on YouTube in January 2025. Griffin said he had no problem with the Lakers picking James with the 55th pick.

“If you can get drafted, go get drafted,” Griffin said. “I have zero issues with him getting drafted at the 55th pick. I have zero issues at the Lakers being like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to do this.’”

His concern was the amount of guaranteed money in the contract. In the same podcast, Griffin said the Lakers could have drafted James and given him a contract that was more normal for the 55th pick.

“The thing that I think they probably messed up on is, don’t give him $8 million guaranteed. Give him what is normal for that pick,” Griffin said. 

He said a normal contract could have taken some pressure off James. It could also have helped him develop with less attention and fewer expectations.

“He made 10 times that in NIL. Maybe not 10 times, but he’s made his own money,” Griffin said. “And he also doesn’t ever have to worry about money. Just give him the normal thing, and you get everybody off his back. Have him play in the G League.”

Griffin’s comments were mainly about the Lakers’ contract decision, not their decision to draft James. His main criticism was about the nearly $8 million guarantee.

Lakers’ frontcourt situation could add to Bronny James trade speculation 

The discussion has returned as the Lakers face questions about their roster and possible trade talks involving James.

According to Heavy’s Adel Ahmad, the Lakers are still looking for frontcourt help after their move for Jonathan Kuminga ended with the forward joining the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ahmad reported that the Lakers could look to add a big man. He also named Denver Nuggets big man Daron Holmes II as one possible option.

In a hypothetical four-team trade, Holmes would join the Lakers, while Bronny James would move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Under the proposed deal, the Lakers would get Holmes and future second-round picks. Philadelphia would get James. The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets would also be part of the trade.

The trade is only a hypothetical idea at this point. However, it has added to the discussion about James’ future with the Lakers.

The Lakers also have limited options to improve their frontcourt right now.

Because of this, Griffin’s old comments have become relevant again. His criticism was not about James getting an NBA opportunity. Instead, Griffin questioned whether the Lakers needed to guarantee nearly $8 million to the 55th pick.

Now that James has appeared in hypothetical trade talks, that difference remains an important part of the discussion.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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