Three hypothetical trade proposals for Lakers’ Bronny James

October 22, 2026

Bronny James is making about $2.3 million this season. So trading for him wouldn’t require tearing apart a roster. It would require believing he can help, eventually.

With that in mind, here are three hypothetical deals.

Philadelphia 76ers

Sixers receive: Bronny James.
Lakers receive: Justin Edwards.

Well, this is the obvious place to start. LeBron is already in Philadelphia, and bringing along Bronny would give the Sixers another young guard to develop. The salaries are close, with Edwards earning about $2.4 million.

For the Lakers, Edwards offers a look at a 6-foot-7 wing who could address a different need. The question is whether Philadelphia would surrender that size to reunite the James family. Nice story, sure. The Sixers still have games to win.

Likelihood: The family connection makes Philadelphia the easiest destination to envision, but the Sixers would need to prefer Bronny’s upside.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavs receive: Bronny James and $500,000 cash.
Lakers receive: Craig Porter Jr.

Bronny coming back to Northeast Ohio would certainly get people talking. He spent much of his childhood in nearby Akron, and Cleveland could offer a familiar setting while he works to establish himself.

Porter makes about $2.4 million, so the Cavs would save a little salary and collect some cash. The Lakers would get a more experienced backup ballhandler. For Cleveland, though, this would require believing Bronny can eventually offer more than Porter does today.

Likelihood: Unlikely unless the Cavs already feel comfortable moving on from Porter.

Orlando Magic

Magic receive: Bronny James.
Lakers receive: Jamal Cain.

No hometown connection here. No father-son reunion, either. Just two teams taking a different look at the end of their benches.

Cain makes about $2.6 million and would give the Lakers another option on the wing. Orlando would save roughly $288,000 in salary and take a chance on a younger guard, with developmental minutes available through its G League affiliate. Nothing splashy, but these are the types of deals that can happen.

Likelihood: A long shot, though reasonable enough if Orlando’s scouts see something worth pursuing in Bronny.