The future of Bronny James could be with the Los Angeles Lakers despite the exit of his father, LeBorn James, from the franchise this offseason. There has been some speculation that Bronny could eventually be traded to whatever team LeBron signs with in free agency, but sources tell The Athletic that those assumptions are false.

The Lakers guaranteed Bronny's $2.3 million salary in June before the start of free agency.

Bronny is well-liked by his Lakers' teammates and has earned respect for his work in improving over his first two seasons with the franchise. Bronny attended the Lakers' Summer League game on Saturday and is participating in their veteran minicamp that began on Monday.

While Bronny spent most of his rookie season in the G League, he appeared in 42 games with the Lakers and averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists while shooting 38.6 percent on three-pointers.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Bronny said of playing in the playoffs. "I mean, in college, I didn't get to play in March, so that's something that's gonna irk me for the rest of my life. And I got to do it in the playoffs, and that's just the best feeling."

If Bronny does stay with the Lakers next season, he will compete for rotation minutes in the backcourt alongside Collin Sexton, rookie Cameron Carr and Jaden Hardy.

LeBron is deciding between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.