Brian Windhorst offers prediction about LeBron and Bronny James

Dec 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) warms-up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzles at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Bronny James has entered the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and one plugged-in reporter seems to believe the 19-year-old is leaning toward turning pro.

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Monday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst discussed what should be an eventful offseason for the James family. Windhorst does not believe LeBron will retire or leave the Los Angeles Lakers, but the reporter does expect the 39-year-old to decline the player option on his contract and seek a new deal.

One reason that Windhorst expects LeBron to decline his player option is that Windhorst does not believe Bronny will return to college. If Bronny remains on the NBA path, LeBron’s free agency can be used as leverage to pressure the Lakers or another team to draft Bronny.

“One, his son is in the draft and he has expressed on a number of occasions … I think he’s going into the draft,” Windhorst said. “The draft is (June 27), and free agency starts July 1. So, LeBron having his free agency open during the draft could be beneficial.”

Windhorst also said that LeBron might want a new contract because the four-time NBA MVP currently does not have a no-trade clause, so he could negotiate one into his next deal.

"I don't think LeBron James is gonna retire & I do think he's gonna play at least one more season..

I really don't see him leaving the Lakers..

I think he will opt out of his contract though because I think Bronny is entering the draft"

THANK YOU @WindhorstESPN #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pY7c3Gs51V

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 29, 2024

Bronny averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game over 25 contests with USC last season. He had a big setback before the year when he suffered a cardiac arrest, but he has fully recovered from that. He may have a better shot of getting drafted while his father is still playing in the NBA than he would after LeBron retired.

There is said to be one Eastern Conference team that might make a run at signing LeBron and drafting Bronny, so the Lakers may have to draft the younger James if they want to keep LeBron.