It was long assumed that Bronny James would tag along with his father, 22-time All-Star forward LeBron James, for the final chapter of his legendary NBA career.
However, with LeBron firmly out the door and still weighing his free-agency options, Bronny appears increasingly likely to stay put with the Los Angeles Lakers. On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dan Woike shed light on the 21-year-old’s favorable standing in LA, independent of his father’s influence.
Bronny James ‘Well-Liked’ by Lakers Amid Steady Development
Upon being selected No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft, much of the focus surrounding Bronny was on whether he earned his place in the league based on his own merit or was riding the coattails of LeBron, arguably the greatest player of all time.
While the 6-foot-2 guard had an up-and-down start to his career, stints in the NBA G League and spot minutes with the Lakers prepared him for an unexpected role increase to close the 2025-26 campaign.
Capitalizing on late-season injuries to star guards Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), Bronny showcased noticeable improvements as a shooter and ball-handler heading into the playoffs. From there, he logged quality minutes during a few games in LA’s first-round series victory over the Houston Rockets, providing two-way energy off the bench.
The Lakers have already lost the driving force of their improbable second-round postseason run in LeBron, who stepped up at the ripe age of 41 to carry his shorthanded squad. The franchise has since retooled around Dončić and Reaves this offseason, adding an imposing interior presence in Walker Kessler and rounding out its depth.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania’s Tuesday intel, LeBron has a “focus on Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia” among the five suitors still vying for his services.
@ShamsCharania latest update on LeBron James’ free agency 👑
“There’s a focus on Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia.” pic.twitter.com/0P3Cv0F93O
— ESPN (@espn) July 14, 2026
While a potential return to his hometown Cavaliers with Bronny by his side would mark a storybook ending to his illustrious career, LA seemingly has other plans for his eldest son.
“Bronny James? He’s still with the Lakers, and he isn’t necessarily going anywhere. While LeBron and Bronny playing together as teammates was one of the more incredible storylines following the 2024 NBA Draft, assumptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategies,” Woike reported on Tuesday.
“LeBron’s departure from the Lakers after eight seasons isn’t viewed as anything related to Bronny’s standing with the team. While anything can happen, the younger James, 21, is well-liked in the Lakers locker room and a respected worker who has improved greatly in his two years with the organization. He attended the Lakers’ Las Vegas Summer League win Saturday night and is a part of their veteran minicamp that began Monday.”
The assumptions that the LeBron and Bronny will play on the same team going forward are false, per @DanWoikeSports
“As the rebuilt Lakers’ roster stands, Bronny will be competing for minutes in the backcourt behind Dončić, Reaves and Quentin Grimes, in addition to Collin… pic.twitter.com/X2zyPWQtPw
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 14, 2026
In addition to Bronny being highly regarded by the Lakers, he already had his $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 campaign guaranteed earlier this summer, leaving his fate in the team’s hands. He is set to compete for reserve guard minutes in a crowded backcourt featuring Dončić, Reaves, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, and rookie Cameron Carr, who has shined in the NBA Summer League.
Regardless of how Bronny’s future with the Purple and Gold shakes out, LeBron has made it abundantly clear that he’s “proud” of him and wholeheartedly believes he “belongs” in the NBA.
