Lakers insider reveals new stance on Bronny James if LeBron James leaves

Lakers insider reveals new stance on Bronny James if LeBron James leaves originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For the past month, basketball fans have asked the same question about Bronny James and his father, LeBron James. Many people around the NBA believe that if LeBron signs with a new team, Bronny will quickly join him. However, new comments from a Los Angeles Lakers insider suggest that the team views the situation differently.

Lakers reportedly will not move Bronny James without a real offer

LeBron’s free agency has naturally led to questions about Bronny’s future. Because the Lakers drafted Bronny shortly after signing LeBron to a new contract in 2024, many believed the younger James would become an easy trade piece if his father left Los Angeles.

However, according to Lakers insider Khobi Price, that is no longer how the organization views Bronny.

Speaking on 97.1 The Fan, Price said the Lakers have grown increasingly confident in the 20-year-old guard after two years in their system. He added that the team has no interest in sending Bronny away simply because LeBron joins another franchise.

“It would take something real for the Lakers to want to trade Bronny. They developed him, they’re a fan of him, and he has A LOT of supporters in the building,” Price said.

“It would take something REAL for the Lakers to want to trade Bronny… they developed him, they’re a fan of him, and he has A LOT of supporters in the building.”@khobi_price joined #BrockandAlex to discuss everything #Lakers offseason & what to look forward to going into the… pic.twitter.com/3mpWW6UBjV

— 97.1 The Fan (@TheFanLA) July 21, 2026

When the Lakers first drafted Bronny, the public narrative was simple– he was only there because of his father. Today, the reality looks different. Instead of just sitting on the NBA bench next to LeBron, Bronny is actively working on his game. The Lakers are sending him to the G League for regular playing time, proving they view him as a long-term development project rather than a publicity stunt.

Price also addressed a scenario in which another team offers a second-round pick after signing LeBron. He said that would not automatically be enough to complete a deal because the Lakers are comfortable keeping Bronny on the roster.

The comments suggest the Lakers now see value in Bronny beyond his connection to his father. If another team wants to reunite the James family, it may have to present an offer the Lakers believe matches the work they have already invested in his development.

More NBA news: