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Bronny James On LeBron Trade Rumors: ‘I Don’t Really Pay Attention To That Stuff’

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 12:37 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers youngster Bronny James hears the same things the rest of us do. So he knows all about the trade rumors surrounding LeBron James.

And like a lot of us, Bronny heard about the current chatter from a friend.

“Actually, one of my friends called me and asked me what I was going to do, because they saw (the trade rumors surrounding) my dad,” he told reporters, smiling, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I didn’t see it. … I was like, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

From the sounds of things, Bronny wouldn’t have given it much thought if he had seen it.

“I don’t really pay attention to that stuff,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t pay attention to.”

Bronny James on the speculation about what team LeBron James will play for next season: “There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t really pay attention to” pic.twitter.com/lPjdUv1oyc

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2025

According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, a source said that LeBron “wants out of LA” and the Lakers “want him gone.” Several sources have told Hoops Wire they believe that to be untrue.

Either way, LeBron picked up the $52.6 million option on his contract ahead of free agency earlier this week — an act that would make any trade incredibly difficult, particularly under the new labor rules. LeBron has no intention of accepting a buyout, in the event one was ever actually floated, sources said.

For now, all signs point to LeBron staying with the Lakers, and both sides being happy about it. The same can be said about Bronny, who’s preparing to take the court for L.A. in NBA summer league play.

After LeBron picked up the option, agent Rich Paul issued a statement to ESPN.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Ashish Mathur contributed to this story.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

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