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LeBron James made what he promised would be his “final decision.” Attention now 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 plans 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/Imagn Images)
Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and became a member of the first father-son duo in NBA history. LeBron didn’t hesitate to share an NBA locker room with Bronny, a step that became even more important when they played together in competitive games later in last season. This story has led some to understandably wonder if the James family would want this connection to continue.
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But Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and the agent who represents both players, cautioned that LeBron’s decision does not mean Bronny will make a uniform change.
“It’s not a package deal,” Paul told ESPN. The report adds that there are “currently no plans or requests for Bronny Janes to join his father.”
LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers watches 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 to develop under head coach JJ Redick. The backcourt will be led by Luka Doncic, with Austin Reaves expected to remain a key component.
Bronny will also have several young players and offseason additions around him as the Lakers reshape the roster. Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht are expected to return, while center Walker Kessler and free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton could also factor into 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 the Miami Heat, had been floated 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 based on his quest for a fifth NBA title.
“This is my final decision. I don’t want money. I don’t want a family. Why am I really playing at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to work. I still want to compete and win and have a chance to feel like I can win another championship,” James wrote on 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 LA. Miami, I will always love and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
