LA Lakers Rumors: LeBron James could leave Lakers following latest Bronny James draft projection

LeBron James aims to play in the NBA with his eldest son, Bronny James, before retiring. Bronny is expected to enter the 2024 NBA draft, with LeBron having the option to opt out of his contract with the LA Lakers.

The latest rumors suggest that "The King" could leave the Lakers following the latest draft projection for Bronny. ESPN's Jonathan Givony has Bronny getting picked tenth overall by the Orlando Magic, which is his highest draft position to date.

Jason Reed of Lake Show Life believes that it's more likely for LeBron to opt out of his contract for the 2024-25 season. Reed noted that Bronny could drop off the draft boards but won't fall enough for the Lakers to grab him in the second round.

While Bronny James has developed into a talented player, LeBron James has had an effect on his draft stock. "The King" has gone on record saying that he's willing to take a discount and take his talents to the team that picks his son.

"My last year will be played with my son," LeBron told The Athletic last year. "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."

The bad news for the LA Lakers is that the New Orleans Pelicans have the right to choose either their 2024 or 2025 first-round picks. It's one of the stipulations of the Anthony Davis trade. The only way for the Lakers to get the 2024 pick is if the Pelicans opt for the 2025 one.

However, it would be difficult to see the Pelicans choose the 2025 pick if the 2024 selection becomes a lottery pick. The Lakers could miss the playoffs this season, which may lead to another roster overhaul. That means the Lakers could play even worse and have a more awful 2023-24 season.

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LeBron James gets honest about playing with Bryce James

LeBron James with his sons Bronny and Bryce (right).

While LeBron James playing with Bronny James is inevitable, Bryce James is not too far along on his journey to the NBA as well. Bryce is expected to be a part of the 2026 NBA draft and is already among the top prospects in his class.

LeBron even teased about the possibility of extending his career to play with both his sons in an interview with Sports Illustrated last year. However, "The King" was honest about feeling the effects of being in the league for 20 years.

"I know I'm on the side of the hill, that's for sure," LeBron told Melissa Rohlin at the All-Star Weekend.

LeBron James is still playing at a top level but has been more prone to injuries since joining the LA Lakers in 2018. There's also the possibility of him being part of an NBA ownership group, which means he will need to retire if he becomes an owner.