Bronny James is keeping his focus on his development, even as questions swirl about his father’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
After LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, speculation intensified about the long-term direction of the franchise. But for Bronny, those conversations remain outside his daily concerns.
“Yeah, actually one of my friends called me talking about what I was going to do because they saw something about my dad,” Bronny said during a recent media session, via HoopsHype. “I didn’t see it—he called me and I was like, ‘Yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’”
The 20-year-old guard made it clear he isn’t spending time monitoring social media rumors. “There’s a lot going around that I just ignore,” he added.
Selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny appeared in 27 regular season games, averaging 2.3 points in limited minutes. He also logged two postseason appearances without scoring.
Though his role on the main roster was minimal, Bronny showed growth with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he averaged 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 18 games.
As for LeBron, the four-time champion’s decision to opt in bucks his usual offseason strategy. In previous years, he opted out and re-signed on short-term deals that maximized flexibility.
Despite being teammates, Bronny said the two don’t discuss those long-term decisions. “We don’t really talk about that much,” he said. “He just tells me to not worry about it… Just lock into what I’ve got going on right now.”
LeBron’s deal includes a no-trade clause, reinforcing his control over any future moves. With the Lakers coming off a 50–32 season that ended in a first-round exit against the Timberwolves, the franchise faces a balancing act between contending and developing young talent.
