LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia separated the NBA’s first father-son teammates. Bronny James does not seem interested in making their split complicated.
While walking through what appeared to be an arena parking area, the Lakers guard was asked how he felt about his father leaving Los Angeles for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“It’s whatever,” Bronny replied in a video widely circulating on social media. “It’s my dad.”
The eight-word response quickly circulated on social media, with some viewers interpreting Bronny’s casual delivery as indifference.
That conclusion would require reading quite a bit into a brief interaction with a stranger. Bronny was not participating in a scheduled interview or offering a detailed assessment of his father’s decision.
His answer, however, reinforced what has become clear since LeBron chose the Sixers: Bronny is not expected to follow him to Philadelphia.
LeBron, Bronny James Were ‘Not a Package Deal’ to Join 76ers
LeBron signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers in July after spending eight seasons with the Lakers. The deal includes a player option for its second season.
His arrival gives Philadelphia another accomplished playmaker alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. It also begins what could be the final championship pursuit of LeBron’s career.
The move immediately created speculation about whether Philadelphia might attempt to acquire Bronny and reunite the pair.
Rich Paul, who represents both players, quickly dismissed that idea.
“They are not a package deal,” Paul told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Bronny James recently had his contract
Shelburne reported that there was no plan or request for Bronny to join his father in Philadelphia. She added that the Lakers had guaranteed Bronny’s contract and that members of their coaching staff were fond of him.
Dan Woike of The Athletic similarly reported July 14 that assumptions about LeBron and Bronny remaining linked were incorrect, according to league sources granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategy.
LeBron’s departure was not viewed as affecting Bronny’s standing with the Lakers.
Bronny James Remains Focused on Lakers
Bronny’s recent activity supports that reporting.
After attending a Lakers Summer League victory in Las Vegas, he participated in the team’s veteran minicamp. He is now in Slovenia with nearly the entire Los Angeles roster for an offseason gathering centered around Luka Doncic.
Rookie Cameron Carr is the only player absent because he was required to attend the NBA’s rookie orientation.
Bronny, 21, averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists across 42 appearances last season. He shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range, showing improved efficiency during his second NBA season.
The Lakers guaranteed his $2.3 million salary for 2026-27, giving him another opportunity to earn a role in their crowded backcourt.
Philadelphia has little practical need to pursue him. The Sixers already have Maxey and Edgecombe as foundational guards, while Bronny’s development would be better served by continuity and regular opportunities within the Lakers’ system.
LeBron achieved his long-held goal when he and Bronny became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game.
Now LeBron is chasing another championship in Philadelphia.
Bronny, as his understated response suggested, is pursuing his own career.
Bronny James Gives Telling 8-Word Reaction to LeBron’s 76ers Decision