If the Los Angeles Lakers ever do trade LeBron James, Bronny James is going with him, and that should be no surprise to anyone. There is no realistic version of a LeBron deal where his son stays behind in Los Angeles. It could be an uncomfortable reality for the fans that do care about him, but it is something that been built into this situation from the start.
Bronny James moves with LeBron, no surprises here
Trade rumors around LeBron have started to heat up again, even if most around the league still believe the odds of an actual move are low. Still, any honest conversation has to start with how unique this scenario is.
LeBron is not just another superstar nearing the end of his career. His presence with the Lakers is tied to family, legacy, and a mutual understanding between player and franchise.
One of the biggest reasons LeBron is still playing is the chance to share the NBA stage with his son.The Lakers leaned into that when they drafted Bronny, knowing it was not a purely basketball-driven decision. It was about honoring LeBron’s priorities and keeping him fully invested in the present.
Because of that, a LeBron trade would never be a solo transaction. If LeBron were to be moved, he would almost certainly want Bronny included in the deal, and the Lakers would be inclined to grant that request. LeBron has delivered a championship, and have provided relevancy in a post-Kobe Bryant era. If he asked for this, the organization would listen.
From a basketball perspective, including Bronny would not stop the Lakers from pulling the trigger. Hen is still a work in progress, averaging jus 1.7 points in limited minutes and spending much of the season learning on the job. There are flashes defensively, but nothing that would classify him as untouchable.
That is why the emotional side of this discussion often outweighs the basketball reality. Bronny would not be getting moved because he lacks value; he would be included because this pairing was always part of the same story. If the Lakers ever decide it is time to turn the page, they will not pretend otherwise.
There is also a chance a move could benefit Bronny long-term. Away from Los Angeles and the constant expectations tied to his last name, he could develop more freely. A new team might see him as a defensive project rather than a symbol.
LeBron being traded might sound ridiculous, but recent activity suggests some fans in Los Angeles might not love him as much as he thought, making a trade much more likely than it once was.