Bronny James gets major update on Lakers future amid trade rumors

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While LeBron James and his looming free agency decision are currently the center of attention in mid-July, there’s no question that fans are also curious to see what the future holds for James’ 21-year-old son, Bronny.

The USC product just completed his second season with the Lakers and received a $2.3 million contract guarantee for the 2026-27 campaign. However, there’s a chance he could be involved in a trade to whichever team his father lands with this summer.

On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dan Woike detailed what could be in store for Bronny as trade rumors continue to swirl.

“LeBron James will not be back with the Los Angeles Lakers next season, the one guarantee we know about, wherever he decides to play next season,” Woike wrote. “But 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.”

“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.”

Based on Woike’s intel, it appears that it isn’t a given that Bronny will find himself on the move anytime soon.

While it’s reasonable to assume the former second-round pick would enjoy spending alongside his father for at least one more season, the Lakers’ commitment to going all-in on his development could lead to him remaining in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.

Regardless of where Bronny ends up, though, he’ll have to show significant progress to ensure he’s on an upward trajectory in Year 3.

The ex-McDonald’s All-American’s perimeter shooter still leaves much to be desired through 69 games (34.8%), and his on-ball playmaking comfort level is still relatively low. Needless to say, James has a pivotal campaign ahead; it’s just a matter of where he’ll spend it.

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