Lakers' Bronny James trade update is notable as NBA waits for LeBron to sign with new team

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Eyes are all on LeBron James as he approaches the decision of what NBA team he'll play for in 2026-27.

But that's not the only thing at play with his choice as a free agent. That's because his son, Bronny, remains under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, who James doesn't plan on returning to.

What happens for Bronny now? It's still an open question.

The latest update from Front Office Sports, though, suggests a Bronny trade could follow LeBron's signing with a new team.

"A wrinkle discussed by multiple teams in the mix for him is his oldest son, Bronny," Front Office Sports' Alex Schiffer writes. "The 21-year-old just finished his second NBA season with the Lakers and had his $2.2 million salary guaranteed for next season on June 29, the day before his father’s split from the Lakers was announced by both parties. Multiple front office sources from teams in the mix for James said they have discussed acquiring Bronny should his father pick their team."

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The layers to this process will actually end up being pretty fascinating by the time it gets to the Bronny decision for the Lakers and LeBron's new team.

Los Angeles just guaranteed Bronny's contract for next season, so it seems they wouldn't mind keeping the young guard around. He improved from year one to year two, so there could be more growth still to come.

They could also play hardball in a potential trade negotiation, knowing that the team that just got LeBron may not have any choice but to pursue Bronny until they get him.

There's also the question of whether a trade just to stay with his dad is actually what's best for Bronny.

All of those aspects are tough to figure out before knowing exactly where King James signs, but they'll be worth considering as soon as that happens, because one way or another, a Bronny resolution would be next.