LeBron James expected to become free agent as Bronny secures contract
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:20 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
LeBron James is expected to enter free agency instead of returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. This change comes after Bronny James' rookie scale contract, worth $2.3 million for the next season with a team option for 2027-28, was guaranteed by the Lakers. Despite Bronny's contract guarantee, the Lakers could trade him as they are not bound by an automatic waiting period, providing options to trade him for cap space or keep him as a developing player. Bronny's future may hinge on whether he desires more independence in his professional career.
- •LeBron James expected to become a free agent.
- •Bronny James has a guaranteed contract worth $2.3 million.
- •Lakers could trade Bronny without an automatic waiting period.
- •Bronny may seek more independence in his career.
- 6:39 PMYahoo Sports — What LeBron James’ decision to leave Lakers means for Bronny James
- 5:32 PMYahoo Sports — What's next for Bronny James now that LeBron James is leaving Lakers?
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — What happens to Bronny James with LeBron the Lakers?
"LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will be continuing his NBA career elsewhere. Though there was speculation that one of the all-time greats would play out his final career chapters in a new location, it’s still…
"The departure of LeBron James has fueled speculation about the future of his son Bronny, who will be enterting his third season with the Lakers.
"LeBron James is expected to officially become a free agent rather than return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 6:39 PMWhat LeBron James’ decision to leave Lakers means for Bronny James
LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he will be continuing his NBA career elsewhere. Though there was speculation that one of the all-time greats would play out his final career chapters in a new location, it’s still…
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 5:32 PMWhat's next for Bronny James now that LeBron James is leaving Lakers?
The departure of LeBron James has fueled speculation about the future of his son Bronny, who will be enterting his third season with the Lakers.
- Yahoo SportsJun 30, 2026, 4:20 PMWhat happens to Bronny James with LeBron the Lakers?
LeBron James is expected to officially become a free agent rather than return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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