LeBron James has officially moved on from the Los Angeles Lakers. But what does that mean for Bronny James?
James made his intentions clear on June 30, 2026. Nearly a month later, the four-time MVP announced that he was joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
He thanked Los Angeles and the Lakers for his eight-year tenure in a social media post.
Bronny James, LeBron’s son, remains on the Lakers’ roster.
James just finished his second season with the organization, but there’s been an ongoing conversation in the basketball community about whether he will end up in Philly with his father.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gives the ball to guard Bronny James (9) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on April 24, 2026.
Will Bronny James be traded?
James recently had his contract fully guaranteed by the Lakers for the upcoming season.
James will make $2.3 million this upcoming season, the third year of a four-year deal that he signed in 2024. The Lakers have a team option for the fourth year of James’ deal for the 2027-28 season.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that agent Rich Paul made it clear that Bronny and LeBron “are not a package deal” and there was no plan in place to reunite them in Philly.
What is Bronny James’ status with Lakers?
There’s a strong sense of support for Bronny James when it comes to the Lakers’ organization.
James was drafted during the second round by the Lakers with the 55th overall pick in 2024.
He will have an opportunity to build off his second season in the league.
James saw an increase in games played, indicating a stronger sense of belief from coach J.J. Redick.
“He’s gotten significantly better,” Redick said previously about James. “Our staff has confidence in him.”
As a rookie during the 2024-2025 season, he played just 6.7 minutes per game and averaged 2.3 points in 27 games played. James saw the floor in more games this past season, participating in 42 games. He averaged 2.9 points per game and 1.2 assists.
“I really believe Bronny wants to play here (in Los Angeles),” Mychal Thompson, a broadcaster with the team, said on ESPN LA radio. “… I say keep him here and let Bronny branch out on his own. He is a grown man now. … I think he is good enough to play in this league for years to come.”
James played in just two playoff games as a rookie for a combined total of four minutes. He did not average any stats. The second-year player averaged 1.5 points, an assist and 5.3 minutes in eight games played this past postseason.
The USC product did not participate in the NBA’s Summer League as a member of the Lakers earlier this month, but he was seen around the team in Las Vegas.
Lakers depth chart
PG: Luka Doncic, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Bronny James
SG: Austin Reaves, Cameron Carr, Matisse Thybulle
SF: Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams
PF: Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero
C: Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What’s next for Bronny James after LeBron leaves Lakers for 76ers
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