LA Lakers have already made their Bronny James feelings clear if LeBron moves to Dallas Mavs

The LA Lakers have made their feelings clear on the future of Bronny James as his father LeBron continues to be targeted by the Dallas Mavericks.

The elder James has been linked with a move away from the Lakers, whom he has played for over the past eight seasons.

He has picked up his player option for 2025/26 to allow him to play for the Lakers for another season, with the option worth up to $52.6 million.

But his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN that James 'wants to compete for a championship' next season, and added: "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.

"We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

The Lakers topped the Pacific Division during the 2024/25 season, but lost 4-1 to Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin has reported, however, that the Mavericks - who failed to progress beyond the play-in tournament last season - would only be interested in signing James if the Lakers were to buy out his current mega-money contract.

If the 40-year-old does depart, questions may be asked over the future of his son, Bronny.

Bronny, 20, was drafted by the Lakers at the beginning of last season as their 55th overall pick, and alternated between playing for them and for their minor G League affiliate side South Bay Lakers.

There have been question marks raised over Bronny's standing in the NBA, with ESPN anchor Stephen A Smith alleging earlier this year that he was only in the NBA 'because of his dad'.

He did, however, walk back on that claim after Bronny put in a career-high performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in March.

The Lakers have already made their stance clear on Bronny's future if his father does leave the franchise.

As reported by The Athletic, James signed a four-year guaranteed contract worth up to $7.9 million, inclusive of a team option of the fourth year, when he was drafted last season.

His deal is completely independent to that of his father, meaning that he will remain contracted to the Lakers even if his father is playing for the Mavericks.

Bronny said on Wednesday (via The Athletic): "One of my friends called me talking about where, what I was gonna do, 'cause they seen my dad, whatever.

"I didn't see it. [My friend] called me. I was like, 'Yeah, I have no idea what you're talking about'. I don't really pay attention to that stuff."