Bronny James is expected to remain with the Lakers even after LeBron James’ exit from the team, according to reporting from Dan Woike.
That’s a notable shift from the assumption many around the league made when LeBron announced he would not return to Los Angeles this summer. Because the Lakers drafted Bronny 55th overall in 2024 with LeBron in mind, plenty of people figured the son would move on with the father. But the latest word says the Lakers are planning to keep the 21-year-old guard and continue developing him.
Woike reported that “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,”
Bronny’s contract gives the Lakers some flexibility, too. He has two years and $4.6 million left on his deal, including a $2.4 million team option for 2027-28.
The Lakers have not treated Bronny as a symbolic add-on to satisfy LeBron. Even with modest production last season - 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game - they believe he can grow into a regular rotation piece. He’s already been around the team plenty this summer, showing up at several events, including Saturday night’s Summer League win over the Mavericks.
The organization also values what he brings beyond the box score. His work ethic and attitude have stood out, and Woike noted that “LeBron’s departure from the Lakers after eight seasons isn’t viewed as anything related to Bronny’s standing with the team,” adding, “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.”
There are teams that have been keeping an eye on Bronny as part of the broader LeBron picture, but the Lakers do not appear eager to move him just to keep the family together elsewhere. Unless another team is willing to part with a pick or a player the Lakers really want, there’s no sense of urgency to deal him.
LeBron and Bronny already made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play together in the league. For LeBron, that was a “dream come true,” and it’s a moment he won’t forget.
But with the Lakers now fully committed to Luka Doncic, the focus has shifted. Bronny is on his own path now, and the next step is simple: prove he belongs.
For James Jr., that means chasing another contract and showing enough growth to expand his game. The Lakers seem willing to give him that chance.
LeBron, meanwhile, has already checked off the box that mattered most to him. At this point in his career, the priority is finding a team that can win, whether Bronny is there or not.
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