The wait is finally over. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract.
He spent his final two campaigns on the Los Angeles Lakers with his son, Bronny James, from 2024-2026. Does this mean the 21-year-old guard could go with his father to Philadelphia? The latest reporting suggests this might not be the case.
Bronny James Has No Plans to Request a Trade to Play with LeBron James
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne posted the latest update on Bronny’s future a few hours after Charania’s reveal.
“As for the impact of LeBron’s decision on his son Bronny, Rich Paul, the agent for both, tells ESPN that “they are not a package deal” and there’s no current plan or request for Bronny to join his father in Philly,” the senior writer tweeted.
As for the impact of LeBron James’ decision on his son Bronny James, Rich Paul, the agent for both tells ESPN that “they are not a package deal” and there’s no current plan or request for Bronny Janes to join his father in Philly.
Bronny James recently had his contract…
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 24, 2026
The Lakers took Bronny with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He played 27 games in his rookie campaign, but that number jumped up to 42 last season. The former University of Southern California prospect averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in 2025-26.
LeBron was adamant about playing with his son in Los Angeles for a long time. They became the first father-son duo to don the same uniform in NBA history. However, LeBron informed the Lakers he would not re-sign with them at the start of free agency this summer.
The 22-time All-Star made championship contention his top priority when choosing a free agent destination. He likely knew that he and his son would compete on different teams next season, but that did not sway his final decision.
LeBron controlled his own destiny in free agency, but this was not the case for Bronny. The Lakers controlled part of Bronny’s future, and they decided to fully guarantee his $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 campaign. Shelburne reported that Los Angeles likes what they have seen from Bronny in his early career.
“Bronny James recently had his contract guaranteed by the Lakers, whose staff has a fondness for him, according to sources,” Shelburne wrote.
Bronny Hopes to move up in the depth chart and play a bigger role for the Lakers next season. They lost Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart to the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, respectively, in free agency. Both veteran guards were ahead of Bronny last season.
However, the team signed Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes this summer. Los Angeles also acquired Jaden Hardy from the Washington Wizards in the Deandre Ayton trade. All three newcomers likely sit ahead of Bronny in the rotation to start next season.
