With LeBron James’ future in Los Angeles still uncertain as of July 2025, Lakers fans are left wondering how this might impact Bronny James, the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The younger James has faced intense scrutiny and comparisons to his father, but he has steadily developed his game throughout the 2024-25 season.
As speculation swirls about the father-son duo’s long-term fit with the franchise, the Lakers’ roster decisions could shape both their futures and the team’s direction for years to come.
Will the Lakers Keep Bronny James if LeBron James Leaves the Team?
Both LeBron and Bronny James are under contract with the Lakers, and neither has publicly expressed a desire for a trade or a move elsewhere.
LeBron, the four-time NBA champion, recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, confirming his commitment at least through next year. This move keeps him in Los Angeles barring an unexpected trade, which remains possible but not imminent as of early July 2025.
Bronny, meanwhile, signed a four-year, $7,895,796 contract with the Lakers. His deal is guaranteed for at least two seasons, with partial guarantees and team options extending through 2028-29.
This means that, even if his father’s current contract ends or if James retires, Bronny could remain with the Lakers for several more seasons, depending on how the team handles his contract and roster spot.
While many critics initially believed the Lakers drafted Bronny primarily to persuade his father to stay, recent reporting suggests the team sees value in him as a player, not just as a bargaining chip.
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha recently highlighted that the Lakers could retain Bronny regardless of what happens with LeBron. In his analysis, Buha pointed to Bronny’s progress in the G League and his limited but promising minutes with the Lakers late in the season as reasons for optimism about his development.
As Buha explained, “I don’t think it’s LeBron gets traded and they’re like waving Bronny. He has a guaranteed contract for the next two years also. So if the Lakers waive him, they would eat that money.
“It’s not a lot of money, but still, that’s something you gotta weigh with the cap situation,” Buha said. “Like he’s making less than the typical veteran minimum, for what that’s worth. But I would assume he’s probably going with LeBron somewhere, but I don’t think that’s a guarantee for sure….”
Bronny’s progress this season has earned him recognition, but his future is still closely tied to his father’s. If the Lakers decide to trade LeBron, Bronny could be included in a deal, though this is not a certainty. The organization values his potential, but roster moves often depend on broader team strategy and financial considerations.
Ultimately, the situation remains fluid. While Buha is unsure if the Lakers would keep Bronny if LeBron is traded, it is reasonable to expect the team will carefully consider his value as his contract nears its end.
For now, both Jameses are Lakers, and only time will tell how their stories in Los Angeles will unfold.
