In a move that could redefine the concept of longevity, legacy, and loyalty in professional sports, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly preparing to offer LeBron James a three-year, $162 million contract extension that would keep the NBA icon in purple and gold through the 2026-27 season. While the staggering number speaks volumes on its own, the true magnitude of the deal lies in what it could represent: the unprecedented possibility of LeBron James sharing the court with not just one, but both of his sons.
The NBA world was already buzzing when the Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son, in the 2025 NBA Draft. Though still developing as a professional prospect, Bronny’s selection was significant not only for his potential but also for what it meant in terms of basketball history — a father and son playing on the same NBA team for the first time ever. But now, with LeBron reportedly willing to commit to another three seasons in Los Angeles, all eyes are turning to Bryce James, LeBron’s younger son, who is eligible to enter the NBA Draft in 2026. The prospect of LeBron playing alongside both Bronny and Bryce in the twilight of his legendary career is no longer a far-fetched dream — it’s becoming a real possibility.
LeBron, who will turn 41 during the 2025-26 season, has continually defied time and expectation. Already the league’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA champion, he remains one of the most productive and respected players in the game. His influence on and off the court is unparalleled. The thought of him extending his career through 2027 not only showcases his rare physical and mental endurance but also his unwavering commitment to his family and his craft. And now, the Lakers — who see the enormous marketing and basketball value in keeping LeBron — are reportedly ready to go all-in to secure that vision.
The proposed contract, which would pay LeBron $54 million per year, would make him one of the highest-paid players in NBA history despite being in the final chapter of his career. But to the Lakers, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about what LeBron represents: stability, star power, and the possibility of creating one of the most compelling storylines professional sports has ever seen.
For the Lakers, this isn’t just a move for the sake of sentiment. It’s a calculated decision that could pay off in immeasurable ways. The combination of LeBron, Bronny, and potentially Bryce playing for the same franchise — and possibly even on the same roster — would be a generational moment. Imagine the ticket sales. Imagine the jersey sales. Imagine the documentaries, the fanfare, the media buzz. It would be the ultimate fusion of sport and story — a living legacy playing out in real time.
Bryce James, who stands at 6-foot-6 and possesses an evolving skill set that includes shooting touch, court awareness, and defensive potential, is expected to continue rising in NBA Draft projections. While he’s not yet the household name his father and brother are, scouts and analysts have noted his upside and basketball IQ. His development over the next year will be closely watched, especially with the new possibility looming in the background: joining his father and brother on one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Should Bryce continue his ascent and declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, the Lakers could theoretically position themselves to bring him aboard — whether via a draft pick, trade, or free agency maneuver. Given the league’s current climate of player empowerment and franchise maneuvering, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. And if there’s one thing the NBA has taught fans over the years, it’s this: Never underestimate the power of a superstar’s influence — especially when that superstar is LeBron James.
LeBron has been open in the past about his dream to play with Bronny. The possibility of playing with Bryce takes that dream to an even more surreal level. This is no longer just about milestones or personal achievements. It’s about making history in a way that transcends stats and accolades. It’s about family. It’s about legacy. It’s about showing the world what’s possible when talent, timing, and tenacity align.
From a basketball standpoint, there are still questions to be answered. How will Bronny develop at the NBA level? Will he live up to the immense expectations that come with the James name? What kind of player will Bryce become, and how will his game translate to the pros? Can LeBron maintain a high enough level of play at age 42, 43, and 44 to make this all worthwhile?
But even with those questions, the potential rewards are hard to ignore. The Lakers would have a unique opportunity to blend history with headline-making spectacle, all while remaining competitive in a Western Conference that continues to evolve. With a foundation built around Anthony Davis, promising young talent, and the enduring brilliance of LeBron James, the team has a core capable of contending — and captivating.
There’s also the broader impact to consider. The story of LeBron, Bronny, and Bryce could inspire millions around the world — not just basketball fans. It’s a testament to generational excellence, to the power of mentorship, and to the deep bonds that can exist between father and sons. For all the analytics and contracts and cap space conversations, this is still a sport rooted in human emotion. And few stories could resonate more than this one.
For LeBron, this deal would represent a crowning achievement in a career filled with them. Not only would he continue to play at the highest level well into his 40s, but he would also have the opportunity to directly influence his sons’ early years as professionals — sharing the locker room, guiding them through the media pressure, and setting an unmatched example through his daily habits and dedication.
As for Bronny and Bryce, the chance to play with their father would be both a gift and a challenge. Every move will be scrutinized, every play compared, every performance analyzed under a microscope. But they’ll also have something no one else in the league has — LeBron James not just as a father, but as a teammate.
The NBA has never seen anything quite like this before. While fathers and sons have both made their marks in the league — Dell and Steph Curry, Joe and Kobe Bryant, Mychal and Klay Thompson — never has a father actively played alongside his sons in the same uniform, let alone two sons simultaneously. It would be the stuff of sports mythology, unfolding on one of the league’s biggest stages.
And so, the Lakers’ bold move could be about much more than wins and losses. It could be about moments. About memories. About capturing something timeless in an era that’s often defined by short-term thinking. It could be about giving fans a front-row seat to history and showing the world that sometimes, legacy matters more than logic.
As negotiations reportedly progress toward finalizing this three-year, $162 million extension, fans across Los Angeles and the basketball world will be watching closely. Not just for confirmation of the numbers, but for confirmation of the dream. The dream that LeBron James — the kid from Akron who became the King — might just be the father of the greatest family story the NBA has ever told.
If this deal goes through, and if Bryce takes the next step in his journey, we could soon be witnessing something no one has ever seen. LeBron. Bronny. Bryce. All wearing Lakers jerseys. All sharing the same hardwood. A family dynasty in the truest, most unforgettable sense of the word.
And when that moment comes, it won’t just be a basketball game — it will be history.
