Shams: LeBron James Won't Leave Lakers Just Because Bronny Is Drafted by Another Team

Despite LeBron James' longstanding desire to team up with his son, Bronny James, LeBron's future reportedly does not hinge on where Bronny goes in the 2024 NBA draft.

During an appearance Friday on Up & Adams, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium said that while he would not be surprised if teams reach out to LeBron's camp to gauge his interest in joining them should they draft Bronny, LeBron's answer would be "no as of right now."

LeBron can become a free agent and sign elsewhere this offseason if he declines his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the current indication is that he will make his decision independent of Bronny's situation.

Over the years, LeBron has often talked about wanting to make history by being Bronny's teammate in the NBA.

In 2022, James said on X that being Bronny's teammate in the NBA was his "plan," and he doubled down last year, telling ESPN's Ramona Shelburne he was "serious" about making it a reality.

However, LeBron has also suggested that he will be fine if teaming with Bronny never happens, telling ESPN's Dave McMenamin the following last year:

"I've done what I've had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey. And whatever his journey, however his journey lays out, he's going to do what's best for him. And as his dad, and his mom, Savannah, and his brother and sister, we're going to support him in whatever he decides to do. So, just because that's my aspiration or my goal, doesn't mean it's his. And I'm absolutely OK with that."

Bronny, who participated in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine this week, made it clear to reporters that playing alongside his dad isn't his top priority, saying:

"My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and get to the NBA.

"Everything that follows my dad, people just try to link me with that and all the greatness that he's achieved. I haven't done anything yet, so I feel like there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron."

Even so, Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported last month that the Lakers are open to the idea of drafting Bronny so LeBron can "fulfill his dream" of being on the same team as his son.

The Lakers own the Nos. 17 and 55 overall picks in the 2024 NBA draft, so they will likely have the opportunity to take Bronny if they so choose.

It was also reported by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on the Stephen A. Smith Show this week that the Dallas Mavericks potentially have interest in drafting Bronny in an attempt to land LeBron in free agency.

Despite that, Buha said this week on Buha's Block (h/t HoopsHype.com) that "all indications" are LeBron will remain with the Lakers by either opting in for next season or opting out and signing a new contract.

As for Bronny, it isn't even a guarantee that he will remain in the NBA draft pool, as he has until June 16 to withdraw and return to college.

Bronny's first and only collegiate season to date got off to a late start after he underwent a heart procedure. He missed the first eight games of the season and then struggled to carve out a consistent role at USC, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

In addition to entering the draft, Bronny entered the transfer portal, meaning he will likely play somewhere other than USC in 2024-25 if he returns to school.

Should Bronny remain in the draft, however, it sounds as though his fate will not be tied to that of his legendary father.