LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will not return for the 2026-27 season, a decision that could significantly influence his son Bronny James' future with the team. The announcement came Tuesday, one day after Bronny James' contract with the Lakers became fully guaranteed, making him eligible for trade. NBA insider Dave McMenamin reported that James' next team choice may be coordinated with a subsequent move involving Bronny.
"LeBron has spoken at length about how meaningful it has been to be teammates with his son, and those feelings only grew late last season when they shared the court in competitive games," McMenamin stated. "It’s easy to think the James family would want that connection to continue."
LeBron James and his son made NBA history in October 2024, becoming the first father-son duo to play together in a game, and later in a playoff game, as Lakers teammates. Bronny James' career has been closely scrutinized due to his father's legacy. His decision to remain with the Lakers or potentially join his father on a new team is likely to be a significant factor in his development.
Should Bronny James remain in Los Angeles, he would continue to develop under head coach JJ Redick and play alongside Lakers' prominent players. James is reportedly narrowing his team search to two finalists but is not rushing his decision.