The Los Angeles Lakers have to decide on LeBron James’ future this offseason, and that choice will determine whether Bronny James remains on the roster. LeBron is an unrestricted free agent. He has to decide where he wants to play and what motivates him. The Lakers will almost certainly want him to take a pay cut as they try to build out their roster around Luka Doncic. The problem for LeBron is that cap space is limited across the NBA.
The GOAT likely isn’t making $50 million next season. If he leaves Los Angeles, it will be difficult for him to play for a contender and make north of $30 million. King James isn’t taking a pay cut without getting some perks. If LeBron announces this as his final season, whatever franchise he plays for will make millions. They will want to keep James happy, and that means getting his son on their roster.
The Lakers have to sort LeBron’s future first, despite him wanting to wait. They need to know how much money they are devoting to King James and what they can spend elsewhere. If LeBron isn’t happy with their offer, he could go elsewhere. It would mean taking a significant pay cut, and King James is only doing that if Bronny is joining him.
Bronny James’ future with the Lakers hinges on where LeBron James plays
LeBron has an extra prep in his step when he gets to share the floor with his son. He talked about it being a dream for years before it happened. The 41-year-old needs that little extra juice during the 82-game grind of the regular season.
King James proved he is still elite. He led the Lakers to a first-round playoff series win over the Rockets without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the majority of the series. LeBron is no longer at the peak of his powers, but he’s still a top 25 player in the world.
Every team has interest in King James. The balancing act is what they can pay him and remain a contending team in the second apron era. The Thunder and Spurs further complicate this calculus with their incredible depth. Gone are the days of having three stars surrounded by minimum players. Every dollar counts, and teams are always balancing how to add new pieces.
If LeBron leaves LA, he could be playing on the non-taxpayer mid-level exception next season. King James isn’t going from $52 million to $15 million without getting what he wants. His new team would have to trade for his son.
Bronny is under contract with the Lakers for two more seasons. The 21-year-old improved this season, but was a virtual non-factor in the NBA. Rookie Adou Thiero even passed him in the rotation in the second round playoff series against the Thunder. His status with the Lakers is questionable when LeBron is gone, so LA wouldn’t need much in return to move on.
Bronny's biggest value is to LeBron. The Lakers are known for keeping star players happy. It is why fans can’t rule out King James returning to LA. If LeBron decides to move on, the purple and gold would want to do right by him. If that means trading his son to the GOAT’s new home, they would do it.
Bronny James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers hinges on LeBron James’ free agency decision. If King James leaves, his son likely follows him out the door. This isn’t settled, but it should be the first order of business for the purple and gold. They need to know how much LeBron wants and how they can improve their roster around that.
Expect a difficult negotiation that could result in the end of an era. All fans can do is stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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