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LeBron James has made what he promised to be his “last 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 became fully guaranteed after the team declined to waive him before the deadline. A day later, LeBron James informed the Lakers 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 Jan. 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 has not shied away from much 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 into this past season. That history made it natural for some to wonder whether the James family would want that connection to continue.
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But Rich Paul, the 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.
“They are not a package deal,” Paul told ESPN. The report added there is “no current plan or request for Bronny Janes to join his 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 Chase Center on Oct. 5, 2025, in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
All signs now point to the Lakers keeping Bronny James in Los Angeles and allowing him to continue developing under head coach J.J. 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 are set to return, while center Walker Kessler and free-agent additions 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 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 last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for 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, to win and to have a chance 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. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”
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