LeBron James Will Stay With Lakers, Won't Join Bronny On Another Team

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James

LeBron James has decided to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers rather than join another NBA team to play with his son, Bronny. This comes after years of expressing his desire to play alongside Bronny in the NBA. However, LeBron has now backed off from that stance.

NBA teams shouldn't draft Bronny James with the hope that LeBron would follow as a free agent. According to Shams Charania from The Athletic, LeBron’s response to the possibility of joining another team that drafts Bronny is “No, as of right now.”

Even with this statement, teams might still try to create a situation attractive enough for LeBron. Some teams have shown interest in drafting Bronny in the second round after his performance at the NBA Draft Combine. However, the Lakers plan to re-sign LeBron, who has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $51.4 million, and will meet his demands. Reports suggest LeBron intends to stay in Los Angeles, especially if the Lakers make certain moves, like hiring a head coach he likes and trading for another star player.

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James

This season, the Lakers finished as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. They beat the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament but were eliminated in the first round by the Denver Nuggets.

LeBron has previously said he wanted to play his final NBA season with Bronny, but he has recently admitted that it’s his dream, not necessarily Bronny’s. After the Lakers' season ended, LeBron stated that playing with his son is no longer a priority.


Bronny also expressed his desire to be judged on his own merits. “Everything that follows my dad, people just try to link me with that and all the greatness he’s achieved and I haven’t done anything yet,” Bronny said. “So there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron. I just want to let people know that my name is Bronny James and not being identified as LeBron James’ son.”

In his season with USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games. He missed the first half of the season due to a heart issue but returned later. At the draft combine, Bronny impressed scouts with his athleticism and shooting skills.

If Bronny is available when the Lakers pick in the second round at No. 55, it could become one of the draft's biggest storylines, especially if Los Angeles needs to move up to select him.

Read Next: Tyrese Maxey Nets 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award

Source: Yahoo Sports 

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