Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 27

Lakers' 15-man roster squeeze threatens Bronny James as Bruce Brown, Jonathan Kuminga interest grows

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 27

Lakers' 15-man roster squeeze threatens Bronny James as Bruce Brown, Jonathan Kuminga interest grows

Q: If the Lakers cut Bronny to clear roster space, which rival team will swoop in to claim the young guard?

The Philadelphia 76ers look like the most plausible landing spot if the Lakers cut or move Bronny James. That case is strongest because LeBron James has reportedly left the Lakers and joined Philadelphia, and several reports say a reunion scenario for father and son would be an obvious option if Bronny becomes available. ESPN reporting cited in the background material said there could be a “subsequent move” involving Bronny once LeBron chose his next team, even as Rich Paul publicly stressed they are “not a package deal.” Cleveland is the other serious rival candidate. The Cavaliers were repeatedly mentioned as a team with natural family ties, roster flexibility, and prior interest in keeping a path open for Bronny if LeBron returned there. But with LeBron tied to the 76ers in the supplied reporting, Philadelphia becomes the cleaner fit. There are also dark-horse possibilities. A rebuilding team such as Brooklyn or Memphis could take a low-cost flier on Bronny if he hits the market, especially because his salary is modest and he has shown enough G League growth to remain a legitimate development bet. Boston has even appeared in speculative trade ideas, though that feels more hypothetical than likely. The key point is that if Bronny is waived purely for roster math, he probably would not stay unsigned for long. Philadelphia is the most likely “swoop-in” team because of the LeBron connection, with Cleveland the main alternative and rebuilding clubs a fallback path.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 27

Bronny James' place with the Lakers has become shakier because Los Angeles is already one player over the NBA roster limit and is still exploring Bruce Brown and Jonathan Kuminga.
Adding Kuminga via sign-and-trade would likely cost at least 2 current players, while signing Brown too could force 3 departures if the Lakers want to keep Bronny.
Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy are viewed as more expendable for now, and Jarred Vanderbilt could also be moved if Brown or Kuminga can absorb his rotation minutes.
A multi-team Kuminga deal is seen as the cleanest path, with teams such as Atlanta, Brooklyn or Memphis potentially taking contracts in exchange for a future second-round pick.
LeBron James' move to Philadelphia has reduced the Lakers' incentive to keep Bronny, though another NBA team could still give the 21-year-old guard another chance.