Smith is expected to handle lead-guard responsibilities for Real Madrid, giving him an opportunity to play a much larger role for the EuroLeague club where Luka Doncic developed before entering the NBA. Smith celebrated the signing by posting a photo in his new uniform on Instagram, prompting several Lakers players to respond. Bronny James was among the first to congratulate him. "Damn thats fire bro be great!!!" James commented on Smith's post. Adou Thiero offered his support as well, writing, "Get to it brudda," while Jake LaRavia added, "Yea nick."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Damn thats fire bro be great!!!" James commented on …

#smith #great

Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves was in Slovenia in August for a minicamp hosted by teammate Luka Doncic, and he has now made another trip abroad in September. Reaves' longtime girlfriend, Jenna Barber, posted pictures on Instagram on Sunday of the couple vacationing in Mexico with their friends.
Barber and Reaves can be seen relaxing on a yacht in a couple of the pictures, and they also spent time at a Señor Frog's restaurant with the group.
This could be Reaves' last vacation this summer, as the Lakers commence their training camp on Sept. 29. It will be time to get back to work pretty soon. That Slovenia minicamp was a bit more of a bonding trip, and it was needed with all the new faces on the Lakers' roster. They'll have close to 10 new players in the rotation.
Bronny James isn't one of the new faces, but he enjoyed the experience and made it clear the trip helped the team. Speaking of Bronny, his father LeBron James left the Lakers this summer for the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron's departure puts more pressure on Reaves, who is now the unquestioned second option behind Doncic. Now, the 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, having averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 **** ists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in 2025-26.

#Lakers #barber #bronny #made

Following his first mini-camp with his new Lakers teammates, star point guard Luka Doncic is feeling good about the future. While there is still a lot of work ahead for his team, the vibes are overall positive heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Even so, the Lakers may not be done changing and tweaking the roster. According to the latest intel, veteran big man Dwight Powell is the best choice remaining in free agency, and he's reportedly being considered as a final addition to the Purple and Gold.
"The most significant option for the Lakers could be Dwight Powell, the 6-10, 35-year-old big man who was teammates with Doncic for 6 ½ seasons in Dallas," wrote Khobi Price. "Notably, Powell has played the most games as a teammate alongside Doncic (389) among the 98 players Doncic has played alongside in his eight-year NBA career."
The Lakers have been considering another move for a while now, but they don't have many **** ets to spare. That's why, at this point, the free agent market is the best place where they can find their ideal role player on a minimum salary.
With 16 total players on the roster, the Lakers would need to make room to add Powell, but there are several ways they could do it without breaking up their current core. One option is to straight up release players like Dalton Knecht or Bronny James. Alternatively, they could trade for someone like Jaden Hardy and/or Jake LaRavia in exchange for picks. The question is, is Powell the right man to pursue?

#players #teammates #point #best

Bronny James is not only known as the son of LeBron James, but as an outright NBA star himself. Despite his father's departure from the franchise, he will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is expected to play an important role.
Bronny has become quite an influential person off the court, with many fans interested in his personal life. It seems that a latest change has come in his romantic life.
Bronny and longtime girlfriend Parker Whitfield are reportedly no longer following each other on Instagram. The two have been in a relationship since high school. The mutual unfollowing has been fueling rumors of a breakup between the two, though neither has issued any statement on the matter yet. The act of unfollowing each on Instagram is a usual sign of a split between any couple.
Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The couple were first seen together August 2024 while attending Team USA men's basketball games at the Paris Olympics. They were photographed together in the stands supporting LeBron. Both of them attended Sierra Canyon School in California, with Bronny playing basketball and Whitfield competing in softball. Whitfield is the daughter of actress and producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield and actor Dondré Whitfield.

#bronny #houston #play

LeBron James is no longer teammates with his son Bronny following his move to the Philadelphia 76ers. Bill Simmons shared a fan's joke idea which could be an issue for the King.
LeBron James made history in 2024 when he appeared on the court alongside his son, Bronny, after he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
After two years on the same team, though, the father and son will now face off as opponents when the Lakers play the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, there has been speculation about Bronny's future in LA. A fan suggested a hilarious idea an Eastern Conference team could employ, with Bill Simmons addressing it on a podcast.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

#bronny #bill #simmons

Lakers expected to not waive $48M defensive menace over Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an interesting position, as they are currently one roster spot over the league's limit. They do have some time to make a cut or complete a trade to create the necessary ***** e.
It is simply a matter of what circumstances become available to them over the next month. Several names have been mentioned as potential roster casualties, and it appears the list has been narrowed down to three.
"Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
LA has tried to make a trade that would free up a roster spot, but nothing has come to fruition yet. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht have been on the trade block throughout the summer.

#dalton #roster #trade

Bronny James finally reacts to LeBron James leaving Lakers for 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LeBron James parted ways with the Los Angeles Lakers last month, and that's obviously one of the biggest storylines coming out of the NBA's offseason.
After weeks of thinking on it, James landed with the Philadelphia 76ers, so he's on the other side of the country now, hoping to get that team to the NBA Finals.
So, how does his son, Bronny James, feel about it? Bronny, of course, is a player for the Lakers, so he has to have some feelings about his father leaving Los Angeles and playing on a different team.
Bronny James has finally broken his silence about his dad leaving the Lakers for the 76ers. On Friday, Bronny was seen signing autographs, taking photos and talking with some fans, and someone asked him about his dad's move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

#bronny #lebron #sporting #finally

Bronny James addressed his father LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers after two years of being teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers. Many predicted Bronny would follow the 41-year-old to his next team, but he's stayed with the franchise that drafted him with the 55th pick in 2024.
Bronny, on a trip with the rest of the Lakers roster to Slovenia for a camp organized by Luka Doncic, was asked by a fan about LeBron's move. He had a five-word reaction.
"It's whatever; it's my dad," he said.
Bronny and LeBron shared the court in several games, including last year's playoffs. But they are unlikely to team up again. LeBron doesn't plan on switching teams again. Meanwhile, the Lakers seem invested in Bronny, who they have developed since the start of his career under coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers' decision not to trade Bronny this offseason was another sign they see upside in keeping him, despite his father's departure.

#lebron #move #slovenia

Despite the fact that there were rumors of Bronny James maybe joining the team his father, LeBron James, would sign with in the 2026 offseason, it hasn't happened. Bronny is still a Los Angeles Laker, while LeBron is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
What was Bronny's reaction to his dad joining the Sixers? We hadn't heard from the 21-year-old guard until now. The guard was captured on video giving autographs and snapping photos with some kids, when he was asked what he thought about his dad joining a new team in the Sixers.
Bronny's response? It might be exactly what many sons would say about their fathers getting a new job, especially with the cameras rolling: "It's whatever. It's my dad."
There you have it. An answer from Bronny!
They'll play each other on Christmas Day at 5 p.m. ET in Los Angeles and then on March 2, 2027 in Philadelphia.

#james #lebron #philadelphia #team

Bronny James has finally broken his silence on his father, LeBron James' departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny James was spotted giving autographs, taking photos, and talking with young basketball fans, and was asked about LeBron's move to the Philadelphia 76ers, to which Bronny had a hilarious response. "It's whatever, it's my Dad." Bronny James told the young kids.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "It's whatever, it's my Dad." Bronny James told the …

#bronny #james #Lakers #philadelphia

The summer of 2026 saw a wave of movement across the NBA. As multiple stars changed teams, some teams changed owners in what has been a transformative period. For Lakers guard Bronny James, however, it's just another typical summer.
With the young guard currently with his team at Luka Doncic's basketball minicamp, he seems completely unfazed by recent events, particularly the departure of his dad, LeBron. When asked about it by a fan, James Jr. shrugged it off, reminding him that he has access to the King anytime he wants.
Bronny, 21, was drafted 55th overall in 2024. Coming from USC, Bronny had some college experience, but it was heavily limited due to a cardiac arrest he suffered before his Freshman year. Nevertheless, Bronny worked hard to return to action and regain his strength, earning a spot on the Lakers alongside his dad, LeBron.
Together, the pair made history as the first father-son duo in NBA history. It was a dream come true for both father and son, who shared plenty of special moments on the court. For Bronny, in particular, the experience helped build his confidence, develop his game, and ensure a comfortable transition to professional basketball.
So when LeBron suddenly left the Lakers this summer, it raised many questions about Bronny's future. Initially, some thought he might be cut, while others speculated that he would follow LeBron to his next NBA team. As it would turn out, though, neither is the case. Even with LeBron set to suit up in Philadelphia next season, Bronny remains committed to the Lakers, as he's proving with his attendance at Luka's minicamp.

#Lakers #Basketball

Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for $36M Walker Kessler backup in 3-team monster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been pretty active this summer, especially when it comes to reshaping the roster for the future. However, the Lakers have added enough players that they will soon have to make some difficult roster decisions.
Los Angeles wants to contend for a championship, but currently sits one player over the roster limit. There are three players who could potentially be waived to make room.
"Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
The Lakers could easily trade someone to open up a roster spot, but teams may not be willing to take on the contracts Los Angeles wants to move. The team is also in major need of a backup center and has been looking at several options.

#bronny #james #team

LeBron James will play his first game with the Philadelphia 76ers on the NBA's opening night against the NBA champion New York Knicks.
The Oct. 20 game at Madison Square Garden will be part of a tripleheader, when the Knicks raise a banner to celebrate their first championship since 1973 and James then kicks off what he says will be the final stop in his career.
On Oct. 22, they'll take on the Cleveland Cavaliers - James' first team, and another rumored contender for his talents this season - for the home opener in South Philly. The game will air on ESPN.
Two months later, on Christmas Day, James will face off against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his son Bronny James.
The NBA unveiled those games Tuesday morning as what it called a "sneak peek" at the 2026-27 schedule. The full schedule will be released Thursday.

#james #game #lebron #philadelphia

NBA star LeBron James will make his regular season debut with the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 22, ESPN's Malika Andrews announced Tuesday on "Good Morning America."
James and the 76ers will play his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game will air on ESPN.
Two months later, on Christmas Day, James will face off against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his son Bronny James.
(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME) - PHOTO: LeBron James speaks onstage during the TIME100 Sports Gala at Pier 60, Chelsea Piers on July 16, 2026 in New York City.
LeBron James announced in July his decision to join the 76ers after spending eight seasons with the Lakers.

#former

LeBron James is heading into his 24th season in the NBA, but it's the first one for his son, Bronny James, where his father isn't on the same roster as him.
Bronny has shared a locker room with his father since joining the Los Angeles Lakers as a late second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
With LeBron now spending two seasons with his son and joining the Philadelphia 76ers, the 41-year-old couldn't help but laugh at his incredible longevity.
In an interview on Boardroom Talks, James openly admitted that he finds it hilarious that he's now a former teammate of his 22-year-old son.
"I have an almost 22-year-old son who is now my former teammate, which is hilarious. That's my former teammate."

#hilarious

Lakers' $7M historic 3-and-D guard not expected to be waived over Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to get things done this summer to bolster their roster even further. LA has done a nice job of acquiring former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and getting a deal done to bring back Austin Reaves.
Now, after all of the additions, the Lakers sit one player above the allowed roster limit. They will have to make a decision before the end of training camp.
"There are, however, obvious holes. With 16 roster spots, the Lakers would need to get rid of at least one player, though they can carry as many as 20 through training camp in October," Heavy.com's Sean Deveney wrote.
There is a consensus that one of four players could be waived by the organization if no trade is made. Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Jarred Vanderbilt are all possible options. However, James appears to be the only safe player of the group as of now.

#done #dalton #vanderbilt #james

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during a break in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Getty
Los Angeles Lakers fans are left wondering what the franchise will do with Bronny James. The young guard has been mentioned in frequent trade speculation, but the Lakers may end up holding on to James.
The Philadelphia 76ers naturally come to mind when projecting where James could end up next. Do the Lakers believe in him as a long-term piece? Maybe a little. Would the Lakers trade him for next to little return? Probably not, according to team insider Khobi Price.
"While LeBron and Bronny could be teammates for the 2026-27 season on LeBron’s next team, it also isn’t guaranteed the Lakers will trade the younger James to his father’s next destination,” Price wrote. “As has been described to the California Post, there’s a real possibility the Lakers will keep Bronny on their roster going into next season, even as they continue to tinker with their roster to be compliant with the league’s roster rules before Opening Night in October.”
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during a break in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

#Lakers #july

Lakers predicted to trade $7M historic guard for ex-Warriors NBA champion Jonathan ******* inga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers are still searching for their fifth starter, as the process of finding their next power forward has been more complicated than expected. Los Angeles has been heavily pursuing NBA champion Jonathan ******* inga to fill that role.
The former Golden State Warriors forward has developed a reputation for being difficult to negotiate with, but the Lakers have remained aggressive and have already put an offer on the table.
"The Lakers have offered Jonathan ******* inga a contract via sign-and-trade that would pay him around $45 million. Los Angeles is willing to send Jarred Vanderbilt alongside draft capital to the Hawks for ******* inga, who must sign at least a three-year deal in sign-and-trade agreements," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
A deal for ******* inga would almost certainly need to come through a sign-and-trade, with the biggest question being which players Los Angeles would need to include. Lake Show Life's Tyler Watts believes Bronny James could become part of a potential trade package.

#kuminga #angeles #sporting #forward

According to reports, Luka Doncic is set to hold a minicamp for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates in his native Slovenia. Even better, he will reportedly pay for his teammates to make their way to Slovenia for that minicamp.
This will be an important event for the Lakers, given that they have so many new players on their roster for the upcoming season. One player who could play a key supporting role is Cameron Carr, the promising rookie guard who was the No. 24 pick in June's NBA draft.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, every player on the roster will attend Doncic's minicamp — except Carr, who is required to participate in an official NBA orientation for rookies.
"The aforementioned Dončić has chartered a plane and is paying the full bill to fly and host every single Lakers teammate in his native Slovenia later this month. I'm told that 16 of the 17 players on the Lakers' roster not named Dončić — from Austin Reaves to Walker Kessler to Bronny James to two-way signees Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke --have all committed to attend.
"League sources say it would have been 17 of 17 if just drafted swingman Cameron Carr wasn't required to participate in an official NBA rookie orientation that conflicts with what Dončić is calling a 'team bonding trip.'"

#carr

The Philadelphia 76ers landed LeBron James in free agency as they were able to land the future Hall of Famer on a 2-year $8 million deal with the second year being a player option. James will now join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe to form one of the strongest starting lineups in the history of the game.
With that being said, what does that mean for his son, Bronny James? The Los Angeles Lakers selected the younger James with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft to team him up with his father. The Lakers did guarantee Bronny's deal for the 2026-27 season, but with LeBron joining Philadelphia, there was speculation that he would want his son with him.
However, per Rich Paul, that will not be the case. Neither player is tied at the hip. Bronny will continue his career with the Lakers.
As for LeBron, he will look to begin building chemistry and getting everything in line with the Sixers. Bronny will continue on with the Lakers and look to carve out his own role and legacy a bit in LA as he grows and develops as a player.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: What's next for Bronny James after LeBron signs with the Sixers?

#james #Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have a roster problem. Bronny James, at least for now, does not appear to be their preferred solution.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said Thursday on NBA Today that the Lakers must make another move after signing Matisse Thybulle. The addition of the two-time All-Defensive selection left Los Angeles with 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts, one above the regular-season limit.
Although the Lakers can bring as many as 20 players to training camp, they must trade or waive somebody before opening night. McMenamin identified Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy as three potential trade candidates.
Bronny was not among them.
His omission does not guarantee his place on the opening-night roster or make him untouchable. But it represents another encouraging sign for the 21-year-old guard following LeBron James’ departure.

#make

Bronny James says he does not know where his father will play next season as LeBron James continues weighing offers from teams across the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard was approached by streamer Biggy22x and asked whether LeBron might join Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Bronny laughed but offered no indication that a deal was developing.
LeBron has already informed the Lakers that he will play elsewhere during the 2026-27 season, ending his eight-year run in Los Angeles. He has not announced his next team, and agent Rich Paul says the decision will not be rushed.
The exchange began with Biggy22x asking Bronny to share an encouraging message for younger viewers. The conversation then shifted to the free agency question dominating the NBA offseason.
When the streamer asked directly whether LeBron was signing with Golden State, Bronny responded "Man, I don't know where he's going". "That would be crazy if he did", Bronny said.

#Lakers #biggy22x

There has been a school of thought that Bronny James doesn't have a future with the Los Angeles Lakers and that it is virtually a lock that the 21-year-old guard will be traded to the team his father, LeBron, signs with in free agency this summer.
But Dan Woike of The Athletic recently wrote that the younger James is well-liked within the organization and that "assumptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false." On top of that report, Khobi Price of the California Post went on "Brock & Alex" of 97.1 The Fan LA and said that it would take "something real" for Los Angeles to want to trade the younger James (h/t BasketNews).
"If LeBron chooses X team, what if X team is willing to send the Lakers, I don't know, a second-round pick for Bronny James? That would automatically make Bronny James the most likely player to go there. Now, what I want to make clear is that the Lakers are more than happy to keep Bronny James," the Lakers reporter said.
"They drafted him in the second round two years ago, they developed him, and they're a fan of him. He has a lot of people who like him within the building. So, it's not going to be one of those situations where they're just going to send Bronny to wherever LeBron goes. It would take something real for the Lakers to want to trade him."
The University of Southern California product showed a bit of improvement this past season, which was his second in the NBA, and averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 ******* ists in 8.9 minutes a game. He shot 38.6% from 3-point range versus 28.1% as a rookie, and after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with injuries in early April, he had a few decent outings off the bench.

#lebron #angeles

Warriors get new update on Bronny James that could help them get LeBron originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Teams around the NBA are still hopeful that they can win the LeBron James sweepstakes, namely the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors, who have some talent on their current roster, aren't nearly as good as they need to be at the moment. It's a tough reality that Golden State is currently facing, though there are some hurdles for both sides to get something done.
One of them could even be with James' son, Bronny James.
Perhaps LeBron is waiting to make his decision until he knows he has a chance to play with his son again on whatever team he lands with, as the latest report suggests that the Lakers are going to dump somebody because of their current roster situation, and Bronny could be one of those guys.
"Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Jovan Buha said, per Basketnews. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."

#bronny #lebron #golden

Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, Warriors and Timberwolves get Bronny James news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There have been many conflicting reports about what the Los Angeles Lakers plan to do with Bronny James.
There's certainly a scenario in which James could be sent wherever his father ends up, though it remains uncertain what will happen in that regard. I am uncertain whether it would even make sense for the Lakers to move him to that team, especially if they like him as a player, but one could argue it would be the right thing to do. At the same time, this is the NBA, and I can understand why some don't think there's really a right or wrong thing to do in this league.
According to the latest reports, however, there's a sense that James will end up with his father on his next team.
"Our last candidate has the most famous name of the bunch: Bronny James. His father, LeBron James, is obviously still a free agent. At least five teams are still openly pursuing him: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Until the elder James signs, there will be **** umptions that his son and former teammate eventually follows him to his next destination," Sam Quinn wrote.

#father

While LeBron and Bronny playing together as teammates was one of the more incredible storylines following the 2024 NBA Draft, ***** umptions that the father and son staying linked going forward are false, according to league sources who were granted anonymity to discuss front-office strategies.
New York Times
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: No truth to ***** umptions that Bronny James will play with LeBron James as teammates

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James’ future has been up in the air as LeBron James makes his decision on where to play, but it might have gotten clearer.
Bronny, who has been quietly improving in the G-League and even cracked the postseason rotation, remains in the shadow of his father, for better or worse.
LeBron is intent on playing NBA basketball for at least another year, and it will not be with the Lakers, his franchise home for eight years.
Naturally, Bronny is seemingly left in an awkward spot, with his dad choosing to leave his current team and ending, at least for the time being, the father-son duo that has caught the eye of many.
LeBron is heavily rumored to be considering the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, among other teams, in addition to the Miami Heat.

Multiple front office sources from teams in the mix for James said they have discussed acquiring Bronny James should his father pick their team. “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t discuss it,” one Western Conference executive told FOS.
Front Office Sports
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Multiple front office sources from teams in the mix …

Lakers predicted to trade Bronny James for freakishly athletic ex-Warriors $46M NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the NBA's busiest teams this offseason as they continue building around superstar Luka Doncic. With LeBron James departing in free agency, the Lakers are ushering in a new era in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have yet to find an ideal replacement for James, although replacing a player of his caliber is nearly impossible. One player they have shown significant interest in is NBA champion Jonathan ****** inga.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan ****** inga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure ****** inga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
However, things took an interesting turn Monday when the Lakers signed young wing Ziaire Williams, who played high school basketball with Bronny James. Williams agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles.

The 2026 NBA offseason has officially entered the twilight zone, and a name that went viral for breaking the news of one of the biggest moves in NBA free agency is officially back, sort of. For those who need a quick refresher: back in 2014, Caroline's Cupcakes in Canton, Ohio, set the internet ablaze after posting that LeBron James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers was a "done deal" days before his official announcement.
No one else had said this as directly and candidly as Caroline's Cupcakes did at the time. As we now know, the popular Canton-based bakery became an immediate hit nationwide for "breaking" the LeBron news. Now, with James facing another big free agency decision ahead of what could be his final NBA season, the "Cupcake Lady" had NBA fans buzzing—at least for a few hours.
As ESPN Cleveland highlights, the then-owner of Caroline's Cupcakes has since opened a POKE Fresh in the same spot, which is why the original post below is from that company. However, the social media post that first went live dropped a bit of new reporting: LeBron is returning to the Cavaliers, and Bronny AND Draymond Green are coming with.
Now, before we all go bananas over this post, the "Cupcake Lady," as they're known on social media, hit a hard pivot just hours later. Instead of leaving Cavaliers fans dreaming of their new core, an admission was made that this was "not reporting new news" and that the infamous "Cupcake Lady" was just "joking," as seen in the "edit" section below.
Considering the history of how the last news scoop played out, it's fair to say that Cavaliers fans would have loved it if that second edit never appeared on the timeline. Unfortunately, it seems that we're all still playing the waiting game on LeBron's future, and not even the old social account of Caroline's Cupcakes, aka POKE Fresh now, can help us get answers.