Lakers weigh Bronny James’ role as Kessler, Sexton and Reaves prepare for revamped roster
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Although LeBron James will not return to Los Angeles for the 2026/27 season, team insiders say that his departure does not automatically place Bronny James on the trade block. According to The Athletic, league sources insist the younger James is not necessarily tied to his father’s next move and remains valued inside the organization.
The Lakers guaranteed Bronny’s 2026/27 salary earlier this summer, signaling continued interest in his development. The 21-year-old guard showed notable progress in his second NBA campaign, lifting his shooting splits from .313/.281/.786 as a rookie to .409/.386/.857 over 42 games last season. He also averaged 15.6 points, 3.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 28.9 minutes during 14 G League appearances with South Bay, posting a .560/.456/.786 line while reducing turnovers.
Even so, minutes could be scarce in a crowded Lakers backcourt that now features Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, first-round pick Cameron Carr, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Kessler eager to justify four-year, $130 million deal
Center Walker Kessler met the media Monday for the first time since signing a four-year contract worth nearly $130 million. Los Angeles also surrendered two first-round picks and two first-round swaps to acquire the 7-footer. “With what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief,” Kessler said. “If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them.”
Kessler underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last fall but described the joint as “better than it’s ever felt in my life.” He added that sharing the floor with Doncic “is going to be a lot of fun.”
Sexton targets defensive impact
Known primarily for his scoring, Sexton told reporters he intends to make his mark on defense, citing Marcus Smart and former Laker Avery Bradley as inspirations. “I watched a lot of the playoffs,” he said. “I feel like those two guys have been able to really lock in. I think I can bring that to this team.”
Reaves ready for expanded duties
With LeBron James, Smart, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura no longer on the roster, Reaves is the only remaining Laker who started during the 2026 postseason. The 28-year-old said he is prepared to handle whatever responsibilities new head coach JJ Redick assigns. “Everybody knows it’s a completely different team,” Reaves said. “If that’s what JJ and the staff ask of me, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
Reaves also noted that free agency never pulled him far from Los Angeles. “My heart was in L.A. the whole time,” he said.
Source: HoopsRumors
