The Bronny James situation with the Los Angeles Lakers is not in a resolution phase, at least not yet. The young guard is widely speculated to be moved, but there are limited options to make that happen.
There are currently no guarantees that James would join his father on the Philadelphia 76ers. This could prompt the Lakers to seek other options for James, a former second round pick.
Giving his market value, L.A. would only be expecting a return for James if he is included in a package deal. The Lakers could move him and land a decent depth piece in return.
In a hypothetical four-team trade, the Lakers receive AJ Green from the Milwaukee Bucks along with second round picks in 2030 and 2031.
The Bucks then receive second round picks in 2031 and 2032. The Boston Celtics land James while the Washington Wizards get Dalton Knecht.
This framework involves multiple teams, which looks like a lot for the caliber of stars being moved. But it is a simple framework aimed at flexibility and team-friendly pieces.
Lakers Proposal Sends Off Bronny James
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Compared to a move to Philly, Boston holds no connection to James. The Celtics would want to do this deal with interest in adding the young guard as a deep rotation piece on a team-friendly deal.
Bronny’s $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season was guaranteed by the Lakers, and he has a team option for the season after. His deal does not significantly disrupt the salary structure, and he can fill roster slots on a standard deal. L.A. has sights set on doing the opposite, which is clearing roster slots.
Just like with James, the Lakers would address another roster question by sending Knecht to Washington. These two young stars would be on limited minutes if they remain.
In doing this framework, the Lakers would move two pieces in exchange for a depth piece in Green and two second round picks for some added flexibility. The Bucks would be open to moving out some salaries to help their post-Giannis Antetokounmpo rebuild.
Green signed a new four-year deal last summer. His money is worth $45 million starting from 2026-27 and, while it’s not over-the-top significant, the Bucks would much rather have more lesser deals. It leaves L.A. with taking his salary, which would take more than what Knecht and Bronny’s deal offers.
Making the Most of a Decent Depth Addition
The timing to get Green couldn’t have been any better for the Lakers. The 26-year-old star had a breakout 2025-26 season as one of the few positives in a poor Bucks season.
Green played 78 games and started 68 of them, with his previous career-best starts being seven games in the season before. The new starting role didn’t make him feel out of place, with career-highs across the board. He isn’t a production-heavy star but one that can impact in a role.
Green would most definitely have more game time than James if he joins the Lakers, even though the latter saw an increase this past season.
Lakers Proposed to Trade Bronny James to Celtics in 4-Team Deal for 3-PT Sniper