Overview
- LeBron James has informed the Lakers he will not return for the 2026–27 season and is an active free agent with no signing announced.
- Bronny James’s $2.3 million contract for next season became fully guaranteed, which legally makes him eligible to be traded by the Lakers.
- ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin has said the Lakers could trade Bronny to whichever team signs LeBron so the father and son can keep playing together, but that remains unconfirmed reporting.
- Media outlets list the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and possibly the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers as teams most often mentioned as potential LeBron destinations.
- Bronny earned meaningful minutes late last season, averaging 7.2 points in 17.2 minutes with efficient shooting, and the next steps will hinge on where LeBron signs and how the Lakers decide to use his newly tradable contract.