LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers has immediately raised questions about Bronny James’ future, especially after the younger James’ contract became fully guaranteed just one day before his father’s exit. While Bronny remains under contract with the Lakers for the 2026-27 season, the possibility of father and son continuing their partnership elsewhere is now part of the offseason conversation.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Bronny’s $2.3 million salary became fully guaranteed after Los Angeles declined to waive him before Monday’s deadline. The following morning, LeBron informed the Lakers he would be leaving in free agency. McMenamin noted that LeBron has repeatedly emphasized how meaningful it has been to share the NBA floor with his son, a sentiment that only strengthened as Bronny earned more competitive minutes late last season.
One of those moments came during the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, when LeBron and Bronny combined to score 10 consecutive points in the second quarter. LeBron scored five straight before Bronny added five of his own, marking one of the most memorable stretches of their historic season together.
Although Bronny is now under contract with Los Angeles, the Lakers also have reasons to keep him. McMenamin reported that head coach JJ Redick has invested significant time in the 21-year-old guard’s development, while Bronny has built strong relationships with several young Lakers, including Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Adou Thiero.
After averaging 2.3 points on 31.3% shooting in 27 appearances as a rookie, Bronny improved to 2.9 points, 1.2 assists and 0.5 steals in 42 games during the 2025-26 campaign. His efficiency also jumped significantly, as he shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range after connecting on just 28.1% of his three-point attempts the previous year.
LeBron’s own free agency appears centered on two franchises. League reporting has identified the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors as the leading contenders, with Nick Friedell describing the race as “about a 50/50” decision. Cleveland finished 52-30 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks, while Golden State went 37-45 and missed the playoffs after losing in the Play-In Tournament.
