One player who has been a fixture in trade speculation this offseason is Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, especially after his father signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
James’ contract for the 2026-27 season was guaranteed just one day before his father informed the Lakers he wasn’t going to return for an eight season with the franchise. The Jameses spent two seasons as teammates after the younger James was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
So, what’s up with him now?
Entering Year 3, James is coming off a season in which he flashed some promise. He hasn’t done nearly enough for the Lakers to believe in him as a long-term piece, but that doesn’t mean they are ready to move James immediately.
A Trade Idea That Ships Bronny James from Lakers to 76ers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
After James’ father signed with the Sixes, Lakers insider Khobi Price noted that James’ Lakers exit wasn’t exactly on the horizon.
“As the California Post previously reported, LeBron’s decision to leave the Lakers didn’t necessarily mean Bronny would join him on his next team,” Price wrote on July 24. “But if the 76ers want to make a deal for the 21-year-old guard entering his third NBA season, there are multiple directions they could go. A simple one: Bronny being traded for Dalen Terry or Jabari Walker and one of the several second-round picks the 76ers own (three in 2027 including their own, potentially three in 2028, their own in 2029, etc.).”
Or, the Lakers could get creative and include James as a part of a multi-team trade that could help the team address the holes on the roster. One way could be to pick up Memphis Grizzlies young forward Taylor Hendricks in a deal that sends James to Philadelphia. Here is the proposed framework.
Lakers receive: Taylor Hendricks and Dominick Barlow
Sixers receive: Bronny James
Grizzlies receive: Dalton Knecht and a 2032 second round pick (from LAL, via WAS)
Why a Deal Like This Could Be Golden for L.A.
In this hypothetical trade, the Lakers pick up two young forwards to help address the power forward position while sending James off to reunite with his father.
Last season, Hendricks, 22, averaged 10.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, albeit in just 26 appearances. The 23-year-old Barlow, meanwhile, registered 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and appeared in 71 games.
Neither are starting-caliber forwards at this early stage of their career, but they could be excellent depth pieces if the Lakers are forced to manage the power forward position by committee, which would be the case if L.A. strikes out on free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga after all.
The Lakers are entering a pivotal season — that will get said every summer as long as Luka Doncic is still on the team — and cannot afford to tip the ball up in October without finding an answer at power forward and back up center.
With the limited financial flexibility and assets L.A. possess, potential trades for lower salary players is the most realistic path to improve the roster between now and midseason trade deadline.
Lakers Star Bronny James Proposed to Join 76ers in Major 3-Team NBA Trade