​It was long assumed that Bronny James would tag along with his father, 22-time All-Star forward LeBron James, for the final chapter of his legendary NBA career.However, with LeBron firmly out the door and still weighing his free-agency options, Bronny appears increasingly likely to stay put with the Los Angeles Lakers. On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dan Woike shed light on the 21-year-old’s favorable standing in LA, independent of his father’s influence.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementUpon being selected No. 55 in the 2024 NBA Draft, much of the focus surrounding Bronny was on whether he earned his place in the league based on his own merit or was riding the coattails of LeBron, arguably the greatest player of all time.While the 6-foot-2 guard had an up-and-down start to his career, stints in the NBA G League and spot minutes with the Lakers prepared him for an unexpected role increase to close the 2025-26 campaign.Capitalizing on late-season injuries to star guards Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), Bronny showcased noticeable improvements as a shooter and ball-handler heading into the playoffs. From there, he logged quality minutes during a few games in LA’s first-round series victory over the Houston Rockets, providing two-way energy off the bench.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lakers have already lost the driving force of their improbable second-round postseason run in LeBron, who stepped up at the ripe age of 41 to carry his shorthanded squad. The franchise has since retooled around Dončić and Reaves this offseason, adding an imposing interior presence in Walker Kessler and rounding out its depth.MORE: ‘This Is Not About Winning’ — LeBron James’ Ex-Teammate Predicts 4-Time MVP Won’t Be ‘Happy’ if He Chooses This Free-Agency DestinationAccording to ESPN’s Shams Charania’s Tuesday intel, LeBron has a “focus on Cleveland, Miami, and Philadelphia” among the five suitors still vying for his services.While a potential return to his hometown Cavaliers with Bronny by his side would mark a storybook ending to his illustrious career, LA seemingly has other plans for his eldest son.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Bronny James? He’s still with the Lakers, and he isn’t necessarily going anywhere. While LeBron and Bronny playing together as teammates was one of the more incredible storylines following the 2024 NBA Draft, assumptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategies,” Woike reported on Tuesday.“LeBron’s departure from the Lakers after eight seasons isn’t viewed as anything related to Bronny’s standing with the team. While anything can happen, the younger James, 21, is well-liked in the Lakers locker room and a respected worker who has improved greatly in his two years with the organization. He attended the Lakers’ Las Vegas Summer League win Satu