Bronny James is facing backlash on social media after his dad LeBron James announced he's leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
What happened?
LeBron James informed the Lakers on Tuesday he would be leaving the team, and sign with another franchise, which led to fans throwing shade at Bronny online.
The news came just a day after Bronny James was awarded a guaranteed contract from the Lakers, worth more than $2 million this upcoming season.
Why it matters for Bronny James
Bronny's long-term future with the Lakers, and in the NBA, is not certain, but he has shown signs of development as an NBA player since making his first appearance on opening night of the 2024-25 season.
Bronny shot 38.6% from the 3-point line and earned playoff minutes in the Rockets series, according to CBS Sports.
What comes next?
It will be interesting to see this coming NBA season if Bronny has more of a role with the Lakers, now that LeBron is gone, and if he can prove himself as a valuable player.
The Golden State Warriors have made no secret that they want LeBron, and rumors are heating up that the Miami Heat are also interested in a reunion with LeBron, which could impact Bronny's career.
Fan reaction
Fans are having some fun with Bronny online, creating viral memes that poke fun at the situation, including one that shows Bronny trying to check into the Lakers training facility tomorrow.
Another meme made fun of the James family getting split up by using a reference from the 1990 hit film Home Alone, with Savannah James realizing they left Bronny with the Lakers.
Bronny's role in the NBA long-term is likely as a 3-and-D guard who can come off the bench and make an impact, and it will be exciting to see how he develops as a player, said CBS Sports.
On June 30, 2026, the NBA world was buzzing with news of LeBron's departure, and Bronny was at the center of it all, with many wondering what's next for the young player.
And as the news continues to unfold, one thing is certain - Bronny James will be under a lot of scrutiny in the coming season, and he will have to prove himself as a valuable player without his dad by his side.
But for now, Bronny is just trying to focus on his game, and he will have to wait and see what the future holds for him and the Lakers, after LeBron's shocking announcement on Tuesday.
So the question on everyone's mind is - what's next for Bronny James, and can he make a name for himself in the NBA without his dad's influence, as the NBA world waits with bated breath to see how this story unfolds, on July 1, 2026, and beyond.