LEBRON JAMES DAYS IN L.A. ARE NUMBERED AS HE ALSO HAS LOST LEVERAGE ON THE LAKERS DRAFTING HIS OTHER SON

LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, has undeniably wielded significant influence over the Los Angeles Lakers’ decisions during his tenure with the team. From roster construction to coaching hires, his presence has shaped the franchise’s direction. This influence was most notably evident in the 2024 NBA Draft when the Lakers selected his eldest son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick, fulfilling LeBron’s dream of playing alongside his son in the NBA. However, as speculation grows about whether the Lakers will draft LeBron’s younger son, Bryce James, in the 2026 NBA Draft, it’s becoming clear that LeBron’s grip on the franchise’s decision-making may be slipping. Several factors—ranging from organizational dynamics to public perception and Bryce’s own development—suggest that LeBron no longer holds the same sway over the Lakers’ draft strategy.

The Bronny Precedent and Its Backlash

When the Lakers drafted Bronny James in 2024, the move was met with mixed reactions. While it marked a historic moment—the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA—it also sparked accusations of nepotism. Critics pointed to Bronny’s underwhelming college performance at USC, where he averaged just 4.8 points per game, and argued that his selection was driven more by LeBron’s influence than by merit. Reports surfaced that Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, discouraged other teams from drafting him, threatening that Bronny would play overseas if selected elsewhere. This maneuver ensured Bronny landed with the Lakers, but it drew scrutiny and fueled perceptions that LeBron was orchestrating the team’s draft decisions to serve his personal agenda.

The backlash from drafting Bronny has put the Lakers’ front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, in a precarious position. Fans and analysts have voiced frustration, with some calling the selection a “wasted” pick, given Bronny’s limited NBA minutes and reliance on G League development. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users criticizing LeBron for “forcing” the Lakers to draft his son and questioning the team’s priorities. This public and internal pressure makes it unlikely that the Lakers would repeat a similar move with Bryce, especially without clear evidence of his NBA readiness. The organization is now under a microscope, and another James family draft pick could amplify accusations of favoritism, damaging the franchise’s credibility.

Shifting Organizational Priorities

The Lakers’ front office has undergone a subtle but significant shift in recent years. While LeBron’s influence was once near-absolute—evidenced by trades for players like Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook—the team is now prioritizing long-term sustainability over catering to LeBron’s immediate desires. The blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić in 2025, which sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, signals a focus on building around younger talent. Dončić, at 26, represents the Lakers’ future, and the team is reportedly committed to constructing a roster that maximizes his prime years.

This shift reduces the likelihood of the Lakers using a draft pick on Bryce James, particularly if he’s projected as a late-round prospect like his brother. The team’s sole draft pick in 2025 is already earmarked for a specific target, and with LeBron’s contract set to expire in 2026, the front office may be less inclined to accommodate his wishes as they plan for a post-LeBron era. Furthermore, LeBron’s age—41 by the 2026 season—raises questions about how long he will continue playing. While LeBron has expressed interest in playing with both sons, the Lakers may not see drafting Bryce as a strategic move if LeBron’s retirement is imminent.

Bryce James’ Draft Stock and Uncertainty

Bryce James, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard committed to the University of Arizona for the 2025-26 season, is a three-star recruit with potential but significant room for growth. Unlike Bronny, who was a five-star recruit based off family name alone, Bryce is not yet even considered a top-tier prospect. Scouts note his smooth shooting stroke and defensive potential but highlight his lack of explosiveness and need for further development in physicality and playmaking. His performance at Arizona will be critical, as a standout freshman year could elevate his draft stock, potentially making him a late first-round or early second-round pick in 2026. However, if he follows a similar trajectory to Bronny, who required G League seasoning, the Lakers may hesitate to invest another draft pick in a developmental prospect.

Draft experts are skeptical about Bryce’s immediate NBA readiness, with some suggesting he may need multiple college seasons to refine his game. The Lakers, already criticized for drafting Bronny, would face intense scrutiny if they selected Bryce without clear evidence of his potential to contribute at the NBA level. Other teams, such as the Miami Heat or Cleveland Cavaliers, have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Bryce, where he could develop without the pressure of his father’s shadow. These alternatives diminish the likelihood of the Lakers prioritizing Bryce in the draft.

LeBron’s Waning Leverage

At 40, LeBron remains a dominant force, averaging 23.4 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in the 2024-25 season. However, his leverage within the Lakers’ organization is not what it once was. His two-year, $104 million contract, signed after Bronny’s selection, runs through 2026, aligning with Bryce’s draft eligibility. Yet, LeBron’s public comments about potentially retiring and the team’s focus on younger stars like Dončić suggest that his influence is waning. The Lakers’ front office is aware that LeBron’s career is nearing its end, and they are less likely to make long-term decisions based on his personal goals, especially if those decisions—like drafting Bryce—do not align with the team’s competitive aspirations.

Moreover, LeBron’s reported tensions with the front office further erode his control. Posts on X indicate that some fans believe LeBron has “lost all room to complain” after the Lakers acquiesced to drafting Bronny. Others argue that the team’s commitment to LeBron’s vision has come at the expense of roster flexibility and draft capital. These sentiments reflect a growing resistance to LeBron’s influence, both among fans and potentially within the organization itself.

The Role of Public Perception

The narrative surrounding the James family and the Lakers is heavily influenced by public perception. The nepotism accusations that followed Bronny’s draft have made the Lakers cautious about repeating a similar move with Bryce. The franchise, already a global brand, values its marketing appeal, and drafting Bryce could amplify the “James family legacy” storyline. However, the negative optics of prioritizing LeBron’s family over team needs could outweigh the benefits, especially if Bryce is not a clear NBA-caliber prospect by 2026. The Lakers’ front office is likely to prioritize decisions that restore fan confidence and avoid further criticism of favoritism.

Conclusion

LeBron James’ influence over the Los Angeles Lakers has been a defining factor in their recent history, but his ability to dictate the team’s draft strategy for his younger son, Bryce, is diminishing. The backlash from Bronny’s selection, the team’s shift toward building around younger stars like Luka Dončić, and Bryce’s uncertain draft stock all contribute to this loss of control. Additionally, LeBron’s aging career and the growing scrutiny of his influence within the organization make it unlikely that the Lakers will prioritize drafting Bryce in 2026 unless he proves himself as a legitimate prospect. While the dream of a father-and-sons trio in the NBA is compelling, the reality is that the Lakers’ front office is increasingly focused on the franchise’s future, not LeBron’s personal legacy. For Bryce to join his father and brother in Los Angeles, he’ll need to earn it on his own merits—a challenge that may ultimately define his path to the NBA.