The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to keep guard Bronny James under contract even as his father, LeBron James, prepares to leave the franchise in free agency, according to league sources cited by The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
LeBron recently informed the organization that he will finish his career elsewhere after eight seasons in Los Angeles. Despite widespread speculation that the 21-year-old Bronny would follow him, team officials reportedly view the younger James as a separate asset whose standing is unchanged by his father’s decision.
Bronny’s rookie-scale deal became fully guaranteed for the 2026-27 season earlier this month. He attended the Lakers’ Summer League victory in Las Vegas on Saturday and joined the club’s veteran minicamp that opened Monday.
Drafted late in the second round in 2024, Bronny has spent two seasons splitting time between the NBA roster and the team’s G League affiliate. Head coach JJ Redick tapped him for spot minutes during the first round of the 2026 playoffs, where he contributed in a series win over the Houston Rockets.
Locker-room feedback on Bronny is described as positive, with staff praising his work ethic and defensive potential—traits that could earn him a larger role on a Lakers squad seeking backcourt toughness. At a minimum salary, he is considered capable of outperforming his contract if his development continues.
Meanwhile, Cleveland remains the favorite to land LeBron for a third stint, and the Cavaliers are reportedly reserving a roster slot in case Bronny becomes available. Because Bronny is signed through at least 2026-27, any team hoping to unite the pair would likely need to send draft compensation to Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
