LeBron James has formally decided to leave the Lakers this summer, and he’s still choosing between several possibilities. While his final destination will solve the summer’s biggest mystery, there’s still another burning question regarding the whole situation: what happens to Bronny?
Up to now, most league personnel believed Bronny would be left to fend for himself on the Lakers, but new intel suggests otherwise. According to the latest reporting from The Stein Line, the Cleveland Cavaliers are rumored to be saving a spot for just Bronny, in the event that they land James Sr.
“The Cavaliers were expected by now to have come to terms on a new deal with James Harden and have likewise been in the mix of teams expressing interest in Jonathan Kuminga,” wrote NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. “All they’ve actually gone through with, so far, though, is agreeing to a minimum deal to re-sign reserve center Thomas Bryant while watching Dean Wade (Philadelphia) and Keon Ellis (Brooklyn) come to terms on new contracts elsewhere. Now why is that? One conspiracy whisper making the rounds: They want to make sure that they have open roster spots to be able to trade for the Lakers’ Bronny James in the event that they are able to welcome Dad back as a free agent signee.”
LeBron has yet to make up his mind on his next destination, and it could be a while before he does. Still, the Cavaliers are considered to be the favorites for obvious reasons, and they are already thinking of ways to keep the basketball legend happy if/when he finally rejoins. Signing Bronny would surely help that goal, as LeBron has stated before how much he loves playing with his son.
James Jr., who was drafted in 2024, has spent two seasons as a Laker, going back and forth between the NBA and G-League. He’s played a very minimal role in Los Angeles, averaging just 2.7 points, 0.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 37.4% shooting and 34.8% shooting from three. But with Bronny’s team option not until the 2027-28 season, he would either have to be traded or waived to follow his dad to his new team. Fortunately, the Cavaliers have foreseen this, and it could be what’s holding up their other moves.
With enough cap and roster space, the Cavaliers can easily become Bronny’s new team if they’re willing to give up a second-round pick in a deal. Just like the Lakers did, they can bring in Bronny to enhance LeBron’s experience while working privately to develop his skills. It’s a win-win for all sides, including the Lakers, who have an opportunity to come out of this with some additional draft assets.
Ultimately, only time will tell what happens to Bronny next season, but he’s going to put in the work either way. Despite his ties to basketball royalty, Bronny earned his way to the NBA, and he’s shown enough to keep his spot after two modest statistical seasons. Changing teams now shouldn’t disrupt his current trajectory, especially if he reunites with his dad, who will always hold him accountable.
