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LeBron James and Bronny Are A Package Deal In Any Potential Trade
Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Even after 21 years in the NBA, LeBron James still finds himself in the mix of trade rumors every so often. But if a trade were to happen, it would have to be a package deal that includes Bronny so that the father and son duo can stay together.

“Sources close to the Lakers did say that, if James asked the Lakers to trade him, they would work with him to find a deal that lands him where he'd rather be, but also brings back the kind of return that would jumpstart a rebuild," wrote Anthony Irwin. "If James was traded, it's also believed Bronny James would have to be part of the deal.”

LeBron James has never formally asked for a trade but the Lakers would be happy to comply if he wanted to be somewhere else. Of course, as it stands, the Lakers may be the best place for LeBron and Bronny right now given that it's one of the only teams willing to give meaningful roles to both.

The Lakers signed LeBron James to a multi-year max contract in 2018, and he proceeded to lead them to their 17th NBA championship two years later. As the Lakers' biggest stars since Kobe Bryant, James joins a long list of NBA legends that also includes Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Recently, LeBron added to his legacy by having the Lakers draft his eldest son and make history as the first father-son duo in the NBA. It was a dream come true for LeBron and now that it's a reality, he intends to keep it for as long as possible. Under the Lakers' current condition, however, it's getting increasingly hard for James, or any of his teammates, to retain their loyalty to the franchise.

After back-to-back playoff exits, LeBron, 39, has been facing increasing pressure to leave the Lakers and seek out a team capable of more success. And with just a few years left of his career, many fans are eager to see him succeed with a new team that might give him the chance to win another title.

Of course, reagrdlessof the teams involved, LeBron James has made it clear that he and his son are a package deal now and any team that takes him in will have have to accomodate for Bronny as well.

So far, the young NBA point guard is still a raw basketbal talent but there is hope that some time in the G-League might help him deveop his game to the professional level. After avergaing 4.8 ponts pe rgame at USC, the 6'2" point guard is putting up 0.6 points, 0.3 assists, and 0.1 rebounds per game on a measly 12.5% shooting. 

It's abysmal numbers for Bronny and it wouldn't make sense for him to go and branch out on his own. For the sake of his develpment, and LeBron's happines, the James' are better off sticking together -- which means that they both will amost likely just stay with the Lakers.

James' current contract is for two years and $104 million and includes a player option for the 2025-26 campaign. So when it comes to his future, LeBron controls his path and he will do anything to ensure that it includes his son.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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