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LeBron James has made what he promised would be his “final decision.” Now the focus 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 was fully guaranteed after the team declined 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 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 went on to become part of the first father-son duo in NBA history. LeBron hasn’t shied away from much, which meant sharing an NBA locker room with Bronny, a milestone that became even more significant when they played together in competitive games later this past season. That history made it natural for some to wonder if the James family would want the connection to continue.
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But Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and the agent representing 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 added that there is “no current plan or request 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 a preseason NBA game at the 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 piece.
Bronny will also have several young players and offseason additions around him as the Lakers reshape the lineup. Adou Thiero and Dalton Knecht are set to return, while center Walker Kessler and free-agent additions Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton could also be 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, up 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 floated as possible landing spots for the 41-year-old, four-time NBA champion. James said in a statement posted to social media that his decision came down to his pursuit of a fifth NBA title.
“This is my final decision. I don’t go after money. I don’t go after family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, win and have a shot at the feeling of winning another championship,” James wrote on X.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time. Thank you LA. I will forever love Miami and Northeast Ohio will always be home!”
