LeBron James announced on Tuesday that he will leave the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, setting up a record-extending 24th NBA season as he winds down his career.
The timing caught fans' attention. James's decision came only after his son Bronny's $2.3 million contract with the Lakers became fully guaranteed.
Had the Lakers released Bronny before Monday's deadline, they would have owed just $1.3 million of his 2025-26 salary. Instead, the team will pay the full amount regardless of whether he is released.
Despite the Lakers choosing to keep Bronny's fully guaranteed deal, LeBron announced his own departure the very next day, prompting fans to joke about the sequence of events online.
Fans react on social media
One user on X wrote, "Bro waited until his son got a guaranteed contract. W Dad!" Another wrote, "Daddy's final move was waiting until Bronny's contract got guaranteed before telling the Lakers he's out."
Other commenters joked that "Lakers know LeBron will force whoever he signs with to pay a ransom for his baby boy," and called it the "ultimate fleece by the James family." Barstool Sports' PFT Commenter simply posted, "Dad of the year." Another comment read, "LeBron waited until Bronny got the bag before leaving the Lakers now that's good parenting."
Lakers respond to the departure
The Lakers confirmed James's exit with a statement from team governor Jeanie Buss on Tuesday afternoon. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," the statement began.
"We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers, including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold," Buss said. "We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family."
