LeBron James unwilling to leave Lakers to play with Bronny?
Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to being called for a foul against the Utah Jazz in the last minute of the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
There has been an assumption in some circles that teams might pursue Bronny James in an effort to tempt his father LeBron into leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to join them. That gambit might not be successful, at least according to one new report.
In an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show Friday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that, at least at the moment, James would not be willing to leave the Lakers to join another team just to play with Bronny.
What are the chances LeBron goes to whatever team Bronny is drafted to??? @ShamsCharania chimes in 🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/xvjRT9zJWF
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 17, 2024
“It would not surprise me, in the coming weeks, if a team does reach out to Rich Paul or anyone else around Bronny James, or LeBron James himself, and says, ‘Hey, if wee draft Bronny James, would you come as well, LeBron?’ And the answer to that is going to be no as of right now,” Charania said. “That’s not a given. That’s not something that’s going to be pre-ordained.”
This has been a growing consensus recently, even as Bronny’s draft stock has risen. James has said previously that he would love to play with his son, but there are other priorities involved now. Despite that, it has not quieted the speculation that other teams might try to nab Bronny in order to tempt LeBron to play for them.
Realistically, James appears likely to finish his career with the Lakers. Whether he gets to play with Bronny or not likely depends on whether that team sees him as a fit and gets in position to take him.
