As Bronny James prepares for his second NBA Summer League appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers, the spotlight is shining on both him and his father, LeBron James. With LeBron’s future dominating early offseason headlines, Bronny is staying focused on his own development, even as speculation swirls about his father’s next move.
While the Lakers look to build for the future, LeBron has made it clear that he wants to continue chasing championships, setting the stage for a compelling offseason filled with both hope and uncertainty for L.A. basketball fans.
LeBron James Makes NBA History
James, who just completed his 22nd NBA season, exercised his $52.6 million player option for next season on Sunday, keeping him under contract through the 2025-26 offseason.
He is set to make NBA history by becoming the first player to compete in a 23rd season. However, the four-time MVP’s agent, Rich Paul, quickly fueled trade speculation by emphasizing his client’s desire to compete for a fifth NBA title.
“LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships,” Paul told The Athletic. “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him.”
Meanwhile, as analysts and fans try to predict James’s next move and debate the Lakers’ willingness to trade his expiring contract, Bronny is concentrating on his own growth. The younger James is working to carve out a role for himself, and he is not letting the noise around his father distract him from the task at hand.
Bronny James Unconcerned by LeBron James Trade Rumors
Despite the constant chatter about his father’s future, Bronny says he has not been following the rumors. In fact, he only learned about the possibility of a trade from a friend.
“Actually, one of my friends called me talking about what I was gonna do ’cause they seen my dad, whatever,” Bronny said Wednesday after the Lakers’ first summer league practice. “I didn’t see it. He called me. I was like, ‘Yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ … I don’t really pay attention to that stuff.”
When asked if he and James have discussed the Lakers’ direction as they build around new franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, Bronny reiterated that he is trying to stay focused on his own journey.
“We don’t really talk about it much. But I think when stuff like that does come up, he just tells me to not worry about it, not even pay attention to it,” Bronny said. “Just lock into what you have going on right now. And that’s what’s gonna get me better and to keep me focused. So, I think it’s good that he tells me to not pay attention to that stuff.”
Bronny James on the speculation about what team LeBron James will play for next season: “There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t really pay attention to” pic.twitter.com/lPjdUv1oyc
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2025
Bronny’s path has been closely linked to his father’s, and many have speculated that he was drafted by the Lakers to help keep James satisfied. Some have even suggested that if James is traded, Bronny could be included in any deal.
However, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James is currently “just chilling and watching the offseason.”
Windhorst added that he does not expect the 21-time All-Star to be moved this summer, despite the fact that there would likely be teams willing to make offers if he requested a trade.
For now, Bronny’s focus remains on proving himself in summer league action and earning more playing time after an up-and-down rookie campaign. He is determined to make the most of his opportunity, regardless of what happens with his father’s future in Los Angeles.
