LeBron James’ next move could set off a second decision in Los Angeles, and this one involves Bronny James.
As LeBron works toward choosing his next NBA team for 2026-27, his son remains under contract with the Lakers - a detail that could matter more than ever once the free-agent dominoes start falling. LeBron does not plan on returning to Los Angeles, which leaves Bronny’s future in a very real holding pattern.
Front Office Sports reported that a Bronny trade is already part of the conversation for teams in the mix for LeBron.
“A wrinkle discussed by multiple teams in the mix for him is his oldest son, Bronny,” Front Office Sports' Alex Schiffer writes. “The 21-year-old just finished his second NBA season with the Lakers and had his $2.2 million salary guaranteed for next season on June 29, the day before his father’s split from the Lakers was announced by both parties. Multiple front office sources from teams in the mix for James said they have discussed acquiring Bronny should his father pick their team.”
That makes the situation more than just a family storyline. It turns Bronny into a possible part of the negotiation once LeBron chooses a destination.
The Lakers, for their part, just guaranteed Bronny’s contract for next season, which suggests they may be comfortable keeping the young guard in the fold. He took a step forward from his first NBA season to his second, and there’s still room for more growth.
At the same time, Los Angeles could use that contract as leverage if a trade discussion starts to heat up. A team that lands LeBron might feel pressure to keep pushing for Bronny, especially if staying with his father becomes part of the equation.
That raises another question, too: whether a move made simply to stay alongside LeBron is actually the right basketball decision for Bronny.
None of that gets answered until LeBron makes his choice. But once he does, the Bronny situation figures to be the next piece in motion.
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