The Los Angeles Lakers must cut their roster to the league limit of 15 players before the final deadline, and Bronny James remains part of the discussion even with a guaranteed deal already in place.
James, 21, is set to begin his third NBA season. His contract for 2026-27 is fully guaranteed, which lowers the chance he would simply be released if the Lakers need to open a spot.
League observers say a trade is the more realistic path if he is not on the opening-night roster. The team sees developmental value in the former second-round pick, and at least some rival clubs have taken notice as well.
Heavy NBA insider Sean Deveney reported that other teams have tracked James’ progress. The Lakers still need to remove one player, and the working assumption is that forward Dalton Knecht is the likelier candidate to go.
Deveney added that a James deal should not be dismissed outright. The Lakers are not looking to dump him, but he could return draft compensation, possibly one or two second-round picks.
An executive who spoke with Deveney described genuine interest from other clubs.
“There’s definitely interest there,” the executive said. “He’s gotten much better in a short period. He knows his role, and it’s hard to find young guys who just want to excel in their role.”
James was selected 55th overall in the 2024 draft out of Southern California. He has spent two seasons mostly in a limited role while splitting time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
In 2025-26 he appeared in 42 games and averaged 8.9 minutes. He posted 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three-point range.
Those shooting marks were an improvement on his rookie year, when he played 27 games and shot 31.3 percent overall and 28.1 percent from deep. His free-throw percentage last season reached 85.7.
The Lakers guaranteed his roughly $2.3 million salary for the coming season earlier in the offseason. They hold a team option for 2027-28.
Khobi Price of the California Post reported that multiple rival executives expect Knecht to be the odd man out. Price has also written that the Lakers value James and would want a real return if they chose to move him.
A pure roster-trimming deal would more likely involve Knecht or guard Jaden Hardy. Any package centered on James would probably be aimed at bringing back a more established player rather than just clearing a spot.
Waiving James appears unlikely. He is younger than Knecht, has a longer development window, and has shown more on the court across their shared time in the league.
LeBron James left the Lakers in free agency this summer and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Bronny has said he is focused on his own path as a backup guard behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
For the moment, the expectation is that James will open the regular season in Los Angeles. The final roster decisions are still pending as the cut deadline approaches.
