Bronny James could have trade value around the NBA independent of his connection to his father, LeBron James, with one league executive telling Heavy.com that there is “definitely interest” in the Los Angeles Lakers guard.
Sean Deveney reported that the Lakers could potentially receive draft assets for Bronny if they decide to move him. The executive suggested that a second-round pick or multiple second-rounders could be attainable.
“There’s definitely interest there,” the executive said. “He’s gotten much better in a short period. He knows his role, and it’s hard to find young guys who just want to excel in their role.”
The comments come as the Lakers continue to evaluate their roster following a major offseason transition. LeBron left Los Angeles for the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Lakers reshaped the team around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Bronny, 21, remains under contract with the Lakers. He is entering the third year of a four-year, $7.89 million contract, with Los Angeles holding a team option on the final season.
The guard has made gradual progress since entering the NBA. After averaging 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 27 games as a rookie, Bronny increased his production to 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 42 appearances in 2025-26.
His shooting also improved significantly. Bronny shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range last season, compared with 31.3% and 28.1%, respectively, as a rookie.
His development with the South Bay Lakers has also been notable. In 20 G League games last season, he averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 50.2% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
The reported league interest comes as Los Angeles faces another roster decision involving Dalton Knecht. Deveney reported that the Lakers are still more likely to move Knecht as they work toward reducing their roster to 15 standard contracts.
“Again, we’re not talking first-round picks, and dumping Knecht is still probably the Lakers’ path,” the executive said.
A potential Bronny trade would therefore not necessarily be driven by the Lakers trying to get rid of him. Instead, another team could view his development, age and role as enough to justify giving up future draft capital.
The executive also emphasized that any potential trade would be about Bronny’s own basketball ability rather than his relationship with LeBron.
“But Bronny James being traded because of his own ability and not because of his dad would be a great story,” the executive said.
