Though the NBA trade deadline has passed, there were still speculations circulating in certain circles of the basketball world prior to the start of the All-Star break regarding a LeBron James deal. With just one year left on his deal (2025 player option), James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers is in doubt, whether it is warranted or not.
The competition to sign the basketball legend might intensify in the offseason because James is in charge of his own fate, which is contingent upon his decision to exercise his $51.4 million player option. If so, Bronny James, LeBron’s kid, may have a deciding factor.
LeBron James’s heart may belong to Bronny James.
While he is still a freshman and plays guard for the USC Trojans, Bronny James is thought to be a defensive-minded guard with plenty of room to develop as a scorer. While scouts are still keeping an eye on him, he is not a top prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft.
However, if he is able to play for a long enough time, LeBron James has expressed a great desire to play alongside his kid in the professionals. LeBron James doesn’t appear to be ready to give up on his Nikes anytime soon, judging by his outstanding play and potential inductee status.
Though it’s still unknown if Bronny will go pro after just one season, if he does, LeBron may decide to exercise his free agency option. However, only if the Lakers can first obtain Bronny’s rights.
“The Lakers, per the high-ranking team source, are also willing to explore the notion of adding Bronny James next season. This stance, the source said, is rooted in the reality that James’ happiness truly matters to the organization. They will potentially have their 2024 first-round pick (depending on if the New Orleans Pelicans, as part of the blockbuster Davis trade, choose to receive that pick or defer to 2025) and have two second-round picks that could help to that end (the Clippers’ and the less favorable of the Grizzlies’ and Wizards’ selections).”
The Athletic on Bronny James’s pursuit by the Los Angeles Lakers
If a team decides to add LeBron’s elder son, Bronny, it shouldn’t be too difficult because he isn’t considered to be a top pick; however, this is only the case if he declares for the NBA Draft after just one season.