NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN believes Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James has more interest in playing on the same team as his eldest son, Bronny, than capturing his fifth championship.
Bronny will be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. No father has played with or against his son in the league.
On ESPN’s “Get Up” show, NBA insider Brian Windhorst shared a feeling that James’ personal priorities may be viewed as more important than his future with the Lakers.
“I honestly believe that LeBron cares more about playing with Bronny than he would about getting another ring,” Windhorst said.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron, who signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer, told The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd in February 2022 that he would do anything to play with Bronny in the NBA. Bronny will play at USC in the fall.
“My last year will be played with my son,” LeBron said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 and sign with the team Bronny gets drafted by. It will be fascinating to see if that happens.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
As for next season, the Lakers continue to operate as if LeBron will be playing for them, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. After the LakeShow lost Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets, “The King” hinted that he might retire this offseason. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP is 38 years old.
“Though there has been no formal announcement yet, the Lakers continue to operate as if James will be back next season, despite him hinting at the possibility of retirement in a news conference following the Lakers’ season-ending Game 4 defeat to Denver in the West finals,” Buha wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LeBron averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists this past season while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. The 19-time All-Star then put up 24.5 points, 9.9 boards and 6.5 assists per game in the 2023 playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Nuggets.
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