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NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade secret behind Bronny James following LeBron James to new team appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LeBron James may be leaving Los Angeles for his historic 24th NBA season, but that does not mean his son, Bronny James, will automatically depart as well. According to reports from The Athletic, the idea that Bronny’s position on the roster is strictly linked to his father’s presence is inaccurate. The Lakers regard the 21-year-old guard as a valuable long-term developmental asset, securing his guaranteed salary of $2.3 million as he prepares for his third professional season with the team.
However, the Lakers’ consideration of Bronny could change depending on how rival teams approach free agency. As noted by the New York Post, the key to a potential trade lies in whether LeBron’s prospective new team is willing to offer the Lakers a meaningful asset for Bronny’s acquisition. The Lakers have invested two full seasons in developing the former No. 55 overall pick, and he is well-respected within the locker room. But if a franchise looking to recruit LeBron offers a significant draft pick or player, Los Angeles would certainly consider trade discussions. With the Lakers facing a roster crunch that includes players like Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, and Jarred Vanderbilt, they will not part with Bronny simply as a favor; they will demand real value in return.
Speculation about Bronny’s possible departure has intensified following the recent signing of defensive wing Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle’s $3.3 million contract brings the Lakers to 16 guaranteed contracts, one over the NBA roster limit. Given that Bronny’s $2 million contract is relatively easy to trade, and with LeBron no longer in LA, moving the young guard presents one of the simplest solutions to balance the roster alongside stars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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