​LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 07: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on April 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers prior to a Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) GettyWith LeBron James no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, many wonder what the future holds for his 21-year-old son, Bronny James, who remains on the Lakers’ roster.Seeing as though the masses believe that without LeBron’s influence on the Lakers, Bronny wouldn’t have ended up in his favorable situation with the Lakers, believing that the young wing’s days on the Lakers may be numbered isn’t that far-fetched.However, the former NBA veteran Matt Barnes actually sees LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers as favorable.Former NBA Veteran Gets Honest On Bronny James’ FutureGettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“I think it’s great now that obviously Bron is gone and Bronny is kinda on his own. I think that’s something that he was kinda looking forward to, to kinda just say, ‘hey, I can do this without my dad,’” Barnes recently told TMZ Sports.In Barnes’ eyes, Bronny is deserving of the spot he has on the Lakers’ roster.“Bronny has a lot of talent, and I just thought if he would’ve stayed just one more year, he could’ve done it on his own,” the former player added.Heading into his third season with the Lakers, Bronny’s contract wasn’t guaranteed. Typically, that makes a player an obvious cut candidate. The Lakers decided to fully guarantee his $2.2 million, which offered a vote of confidence in the young guard.Still, his future is unclear. James could get traded before the February