Brief
Bronny James to Join 76ers as LeBron Leaves Lakers
Bronny James said he is excited to experience a new team environment after LeBron James leaves the Lakers for the 76ers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Bronny James confirmed he will begin the 2026‑27 NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers, the same franchise his father, LeBron James, has joined after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. The move means Bronny will be the first in his family to play for a team other than the one his father has represented.
During a Monday interview with reporters, James said, "It's something different for sure," and added that he is "excited for the experience, to experience something different with him not being here and to see how the staff treats me without him being there and all my teammates and stuff like that." He also noted he is looking forward to the season and to playing aggressively and smartly for the 76ers.
James’ NBA career began with the Lakers, where he was drafted in the second round in 2024. Over his first two seasons, he showed incremental improvement: points per game rose from 2.3 to 2.9, assists from 0.8 to 1.2, and steals from 0.3 to 0.5. His field‑goal percentage increased from 31.3% to 40.9% and his three‑point percentage from 28.1% to 38.6%. He also had a notable performance in the Lakers’ first‑round playoff win over the Houston Rockets, scoring five points in Games 3 and 4.
LeBron James’ departure to the 76ers was announced on September 26, 2026, after the Lakers’ front office pivoted to a new strategy centred on Luka Dončić. The Lakers thanked LeBron for his eight‑year tenure and announced a new focus on Dončić, re‑signing Austin Reaves and acquiring Walker Kessler.
Bronny’s move to Philadelphia follows the same pattern as his father’s, who left the Lakers after an eight‑year run to sign with the 76ers. The transition has been highlighted by LeBron’s emotional Instagram reel shared on September 25, where he thanked Bronny for their time together and reflected on their bond.
Key facts
- Bronny James will play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026‑27 season (bleacherreport.com)
- LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers (bleacherreport.com)
- Bronny averaged 4.8 points per game during his collegiate season at USC (bleacherreport.com)
- Bronny’s field‑goal percentage improved from 31.3% to 40.9% between his first and second NBA seasons (bleacherreport.com)
- Bronny scored five points in Games 3 and 4 of the Lakers’ first‑round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets (bleacherreport.com)
Background
Bronny James’ career has been closely linked to his father’s movements. LeBron’s recent Instagram reel on September 25 celebrated their time together before his move to the 76ers. The Lakers’ strategy shift to focus on Luka Dončić was announced on September 24 and 26, with the franchise thanking LeBron for his eight‑year tenure.
Timeline
- 2026-09-24 — Lakers pivot to Luka Dončić after LeBron’s exit
- 2026-09-25 — LeBron James shares final message to Bronny before NBA training camp
- 2026-09-26 — LeBron James signs with the 76ers
Why it matters
Bronny’s move marks the first time he will play on a team separate from his father’s, reflecting a new chapter for both players and the Lakers’ rebuilding strategy.
What happens next
Bronny will begin training with the 76ers ahead of the 2026‑27 season, while the Lakers prepare for a season starting on October 21 against the Warriors.
