The Los Angeles Lakers have guaranteed Bronny James’s $2.29 million salary for the 2026-27 season, while the Philadelphia 76ers have no current plan to acquire the young guard despite LeBron’s move to Philadelphia, according to multiple reports.
No Immediate Plan for Bronny to Join LeBron
Despite LeBron James’ recent decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no indication the team is actively pursuing Bronny James, his son, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Rich Paul, LeBron and Bronny’s agent, clarified that the two are not a package deal,
and the 76ers have not requested the guard. There’s no current plan or request for Bronny James to join his father in Philly,
Shelburne reported, citing Paul’s statements.
LeBron’s move to Philadelphia has reignited discussions about Bronny’s future, but the Lakers have signaled their commitment to the young guard. The team guaranteed his salary for the 2026-27 season, a move that suggests they view him as a developmental player rather than merely a connection to LeBron. The Lakers recently guaranteed Bronny’s $2.29 million salary for the 2026-27 season, and members of the Lakers’ staff have a fondness for Bronny.
Bronny’s role with the Lakers has been limited, appearing in 42 games last season while averaging fewer than nine minutes per contest. However, his performance in the playoffs, where he saw minutes against the Houston Rockets, has drawn attention. Members of the Lakers’ staff have a fondness for Bronny, suggesting the organization continues to view him as a developmental player rather than merely a connection to LeBron.
Lakers’ Stance on Bronny’s Future
The Lakers’ decision to guarantee Bronny’s salary reflects their belief in his potential, even as his immediate impact remains uncertain. Rob Pelinka, the team’s general manager, highlighted Bronny’s character and work ethic when the Lakers selected him in 2024, stating that he is a person of high character and second he is young man that works incredibly hard
and those are the qualities that we look for in drafting players and adding to our developmental core with the Lakers.
While the 76ers could offer the Lakers a future second-round pick and absorb Bronny’s minimum salary into their available $2.3 million trade exception, there is no indication they are pursuing the move. Philadelphia has not asked the Lakers about acquiring the young guard,
Shelburne reported. The team’s current backcourt, which includes Anfernee Simons and Labaron Philon Jr., leaves little room for another guard, making a trade less likely unless the Lakers face roster constraints.
Bronny’s contract is also minimal, with a team option for next season. The Lakers could explore options if they need to clear cap space, but their current roster includes 16 players after signing Mattisse Thybulle to a one-year deal, meaning the franchise will have to cut at least one player between now and the end of training camp. Keeping Bronny could make sense as a cheap, cost-controlled contract.
What’s Next for Bronny James?
While the team has not indicated plans to move him, the possibility remains open. A potential trade could involve one or two second-round picks, but no concrete offers have surfaced. The Lakers could also look to move on from Bronny and deal the guard to a team other than Philadelphia, though the Lakers’ true feelings about Bronny James are about to be revealed in the coming weeks following LeBron James’ departure.
For Bronny, the path forward hinges on his development and the Lakers’ strategy. They are not a package deal,
Paul told ESPN, emphasizing that Bronny’s future will depend on his own merits, not his father’s decisions.
As the season approaches, the Lakers’ decision to keep Bronny could shape his career. If he continues to develop, he may carve out a role as an NBA player, but his path to regular minutes remains uncertain. For now, the focus remains on the Lakers’ roster, with Bronny’s future hanging in the balance.
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