LeBron James is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers, but former Los Angeles Lakers forward Devean George does not believe Bronny James should follow his father out of California.
George wants the 21-year-old guard to remain with the Lakers and use LeBron’s departure to show what he can contribute without his father on the same roster.
The three-time NBA champion also challenged Los Angeles to give Bronny a legitimate opportunity rather than limiting him to carefully selected appearances.
The comments came during a TMZ Sports interview recorded before LeBron announced his Philadelphia decision. George said the separation could help Bronny establish his own place in the league after two seasons in which his career was closely tied to his father’s.
Devean George Says Bronny Needs Space From LeBron
George said Bronny should stay in Los Angeles rather than pursue another opportunity alongside LeBron. “I think he needs to space away from his dad,” he told TMZ Sports. “Let him do his own thing.”
The former forward, who played seven seasons with the Lakers and won championships with the franchise from 2000 through 2002, said Los Angeles should put Bronny on the court if the organization genuinely considers him an asset. George described the guard as having been “babied” through appearances in favorable situations instead of receiving the same treatment as other developing players.
Bronny spent much of his rookie season moving between the Lakers and their South Bay G League affiliate. His opportunities increased during his second year, and he eventually appeared in the 2026 playoffs, including minutes during Los Angeles’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers Reportedly Want to Keep Bronny
Lakers beat reporter Khobi Price discussed Bronny’s future during an appearance on 97.1 The Fan LA’s Brock & Alex. Price said the Lakers are “more than happy” to keep Bronny after drafting and developing him over the past two seasons.
Price also said Bronny has supporters inside the organization and that it would take “something real” for Los Angeles to consider trading him, according to Silver Screen and Roll.
Los Angeles guaranteed Bronny’s approximately $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season in June. He also attended the Lakers’ games during Las Vegas Summer League and participated in the organization’s veteran minicamp before LeBron completed his move.
Paul, who represents both father and son, told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that they are not a package deal and that there are no current plans for Bronny to join LeBron in Philadelphia. LeBron confirmed his move to the 76ers on July 24, signing a reported two-year, $8 million contract with a player option after eight seasons with the Lakers.
Bronny Entered the NBA With His Father Beside Him
The Lakers selected Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after his freshman season at USC. He became the first player drafted into the league while his father was still active, and he and LeBron later became the first father-son duo to appear together in an NBA regular-season game.
LeBron will begin his record-extending 24th NBA season in Philadelphia, while Bronny remains under contract with the Lakers for 2026-27. Los Angeles also holds a team option on the final season of Bronny’s rookie deal.