LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers doesn’t automatically mean Bronny James will be following him to his next destination.

While many have assumed the father-son duo could reunite elsewhere next season, the Lakers are reportedly open to keeping Bronny despite LeBron’s departure.

According to the California Post, Los Angeles is seriously considering carrying the younger James into the 2026-27 season as it continues shaping its roster before opening night.

Any team hoping to pair Bronny with LeBron would likely have to give the Lakers a valuable asset in return. The young guard is highly regarded within the organization, making a trade anything but certain.

The Athletic also reported that the belief LeBron and Bronny will remain together moving forward is incorrect.

After selecting Bronny with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers gradually developed the former USC guard into a reliable outside shooter with defensive promise.

He spent much of his first two seasons with the franchise’s G League affiliate before earning a larger NBA role.

Bronny appeared in 42 games during the 2025-26 season and became part of the regular rotation after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

He averaged 5.6 points while shooting 35.7 percent from three over the final 10 regular-season games.

He also saw action in eight playoff games, highlighted by a stretch in Game 3 against Houston when he and LeBron scored 10 straight Lakers points.

The Lakers already guaranteed Bronny’s $2.3 million salary for 2026-27, and if he remains with the team, he is expected to compete with Collin Sexton, Cameron Carr and Jaden Hardy for reserve guard minutes.

What will decide if Lakers trade Bronny James to LeBron's next team https://t.co/DsQPYkynLV pic.twitter.com/qN9IHtyJIO