As things currently stand, Bronny James is set to enter Year 3 of his NBA career under drastically different circumstances following his father and star teammate LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
As LeBron takes his time deciding on his next destination for the final chapter of his storied career, speculation is mounting that the 22-time All-Star could bring Bronny along with him via trade. However, according to LeBron’s longtime friend Cuffs The Legend, Bronny would be best served by stepping out of his father’s shadow.
LeBron James’ Friend Wants Bronny James To ‘Create His Own Path’
Bronny has had an eventful first two seasons since being drafted No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft, from making history by suiting up alongside his father to capitalizing on his NBA G League experience and key injuries to carve out playoff minutes with LA.
Despite Bronny’s marked improvement as a shooter and playmaker late in Year 2 to complement his signature on-ball defensive energy, the prevailing narrative is that the 21-year-old guard is largely in the league because of LeBron’s influence.
With the aging four-time MVP’s hometown Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly leading the race for his services in free agency, NBA insiders have indicated the aspiring Eastern Conference contender could be angling to bring Bronny home as well.
While the father-son duo taking their talents to the Cavaliers would make for a heartwarming story, Cuffs The Legend questioned whether it would be the best outcome for Bronny.
“Bronny going back home to Cleveland with his Pops would be a dope, sentimental storyline. But I still wanna see Bronny spread his wings and create his own path eventually,” Cuffs The Legend wrote on X Monday.
However, the self-described “Allen Iverson of Sports Media” noted that the “Lakers might not treat [Bronny] the same now that LeBron is no longer there.”
Bronny going back home to Cleveland with his Pops would a dope sentimental storyline.. but i still wanna see Bronny spread his wings and create his own path eventually
even though the Lakers might not treat him the same now that LeBron is no longer there https://t.co/ZAzSjl6PTO
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) July 6, 2026
The Lakers have undergone a major roster overhaul this offseason as they seek to build around 27-year-old superstar guard Luka Dončić.
In the backcourt, they have replaced veterans Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard with Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy, giving Bronny plenty of competition for reserve minutes behind Dončić and star guard Austin Reaves.
While Bronny has earned a glowing endorsement from LA coach JJ Redick in the past, his NBA future remains murky despite his $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 season already being fully guaranteed.
