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LeBron James has made what he promised to be his “last decision.” Now, attention turns to the next step in Bronny James’ young NBA career.
Bronny James’ status with the Los Angeles Lakers became clear in late June, when his $2.3 million salary for next season became fully guaranteed after the team refused to waive him before the deadline. A day later, LeBron James informed the Lakers that he planned to continue his career elsewhere in what will be an unprecedented 24th NBA season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James interacts with his son Bronny James during a game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on January 23, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and became part of the first father-son duo in NBA history. LeBron hasn’t shied away from much of what it meant to share an NBA locker room with Bronny, a milestone that became even more significant when they played together in competitive games later last season. That history made it natural for some to wonder if the James family would want that connection to continue.
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But Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and agent who represents both players, cautioned that LeBron’s decision does not mean Bronny will make a uniform change.
“They’re not a package deal,” Paul told ESPN. The report adds that “there are no current plans or requests for Bronny Janes to join her father.”
LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during a timeout in the second half of an NBA preseason game at Chase Center on October 5, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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All signs now point to the Lakers keeping Bronny James in Los Angeles and allowing him to continue developing under head coach JJ Redick. The backcourt will be led by Luka Doncic, with Austin Reaves expected to remain a key piece.
Bronny will also have several young players and offseason additions around him as the Lakers reshape the roster. Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht will return, while center Walker Kessler and free agent additions Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton could also be factors in the rotation.
Bronny James (9) and LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers interact during a game against the Utah Jazz on April 12, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Bronny appeared in 42 games last season, an increase from the 27 times he played in a game at the NBA level during his rookie campaign. He averaged 2.9 points per game in 2025-26.
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Two of James’ former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, had been proposed as possible landing spots for the 41-year-old four-time NBA champion. James said in a statement posted on social media that his decision was prompted by his pursuit of a fifth NBA title.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for right now? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to push myself. I still want to compete, win and have the opportunity to have the feeling of winning another championship,” James wrote in X.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am very excited to energize a new fan base and begin this incredible journey one last time. Thank you Los Angeles. I will always love Miami and Northeast Ohio will always be my home.”
