Once LeBron James announced he would not return to the Lakers this summer, fans and insiders assumed that Bronny James would follow. It was because of LeBron that the Lakers drafted Bronny 55th overall in 2024, and it’s natural to think that the two are a package deal.
The latest intel, however, suggests otherwise. According to league insider Dan Woike, the Lakers plan to keep Bronny and continue his development for the foreseeable future. The 21-year-old guard currently has two years and $4.6 million on his deal, including a $2.4 million team option for 2027-28.
“While LeBron and Bronny playing together as teammates was one of the more incredible storylines following the 2024 NBA Draft, assumptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategies,” reported Dan Woike of The Athletic.
To the Lakers, Bronny was always more than someone who could appease LeBron. Despite modest stats (2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists per game last season), the Lakers believe he can be a regular part of their rotation, and he’s already been seen at several team events this summer, including Saturday night’s Summer League victory over the Mavericks. If nothing else, the Lakers value his presence in the locker room and the example he sets in regards to work ethic and attitude.
“LeBron’s departure from the Lakers after eight seasons isn’t viewed as anything related to Bronny’s standing with the team,” Woike added. “While anything can happen, the younger James, 21, is well-liked in the Lakers locker room and a respected worker who has improved greatly in his two years with the organization. He attended the Lakers’ Las Vegas Summer League win Saturday night and is a part of their veteran minicamp that began Monday.”
Some teams in the race for LeBron have been saving space for Bronny, but unless they are willing to give up prized assets (a pick or player), the Lakers might be inclined to keep James Jr. At the very least, there is no rush to trade him away just for the sake of keeping the family together.
LeBron and Bronny already made history on the Lakers as the first father-son duo in NBA history. The moment was a “dream come true” for the King, and it’s not one he’s soon to forget. But now, with the Lakers all-in on Luka Doncic, the priorities have shifted, leaving Bronny to walk his own path for the first time since being drafted.
How James Jr. develops will be mostly up to him now, but the primary goal is to earn another contract. If he can prove he belongs by expanding his arsenal, it will only justify the Lakers’ decision to keep him and empower them to keep him around for the long haul. In the meantime, he’s not going to sit around and wait for his dad’s decision. As a rising athlete with so much to prove, Bronny is focused on his own endeavors and likely sees this season as a major opportunity. For LeBron Sr., he’s already accomplished his goal by sharing the court with his son. At this stage of his career, the important thing is joining a team that can compete, regardless of whether Bronny is there.
