NBA Insider Says It's Hard to See Bronny James with Lakers in 2026-27 if LeBron Leaves

With the possibility of LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers exit looming, his son's future with the team could also be up in the air.

Bronny James is on a four-year, $7.9 million rookie contract and has a fully guaranteed deal this year, though The Athletic's John Hollinger noted that his contract for the 2026-27 season is just 50 percent guaranteed. According to Hollinger, "it’s hard to see" the Lakers keeping Bronny around if his father is gone after the season.

James, 20, showed some potential last season but was mostly unremarkable, putting up 2.3 points on 31.3 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from deep in his limited minutes in the NBA.

He was impressive in the G League, posting 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, but he played just 11 games with the South Bay Lakers.

To keep his spot on the Lakers after his father's potential exit, James will need to prove that he belongs in the NBA for reasons other than just his last name.

It starts in Summer League this offseason. He had limited action in the California Classic, though he gave fans a glimpse into his athleticism with a LeBron James-esque dunk.

LeBron's future is uncertain, and it's perhaps even more uncertain for his son. Still, if the son of the all-time great can establish himself as a consistent role player, he could make it in the league even after his father's playing days are over.