The Lakers are reportedly willing to consider adding LeBron James‘ son, Bronny, next season as chatter increases regarding the star’s future in LA.
James can become a free agent this summer if he declines his $51million option, and ESPN reported that the Warriors inquired about his availability ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Neither the Lakers nor James were reportedly interested in the move, but The Athletic have reported that the franchise could ‘explore’ drafting Bronny, with his father’s ‘happiness truly matter[ing] to the organization.’
James has previously indicated a desire to play with his eldest son.
Bronny is currently a freshman at USC, but does not look quite NBA-ready thus far.
LeBron James has previously said that he wishes to play with his son Bronny James
Stephen Curry’s Warriors were reportedly interested in trading for LeBron James
He’s averaged 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists on just 35.6 percent shooting.
Bronny missed the first eight games of the season after suffering a cardiac arrest over the summer during a team practice.
The Lakers may not own their 2024 first-round pick (depending on if the Pelicans, as part of the previous trade for Anthony Davis, decide to defer the pick to 2025) but do own what is projected to be a late second-round pick – which could be a natural landing spot for Bronny.
Either way, James’ agent, Rich Paul said Wednesday that his client remains ‘committed’ to the purple and gold.
‘He’s committed to the Lakers,’ Paul said on the Stephen A. Smith Show.
James is seen cheering on Bronny at a recent USC basketball game at Haas Pavillion
‘[Owner] Jeanie [Buss] has been an incredible partner for him and us. And I think it’s important for that to be understood and to be respected. Obviously there’s ups and downs and emotions throughout the course of a season, but ultimately LeBron’s committed to the Lakers.’
Paul previously shut down rumors that James would be moved ahead of the trade deadline.
‘LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be,’ he told ESPN.
Philadelphia’s Daryl Morey also made an offer for the Lakers captain, according to the network.
While James has been his typical brilliant self this season, the Lakers sat in just ninth place in the West at 29-26 entering Wednesday.
