LeBron James has recently begun negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers over extending his contract beyond the end of next season.

So far, said negotiations have been described by James’ agent Rich Paul as “productive” when he spoke to ESPN.

It is believed that James will be looking for a short-term deal with the Lakers, after which he will reassess his options based on where his son Bronny ends up in the 2023 NBA draft.

Bronny is currently deciding where to take his talents for the upcoming season between finishing high school and being eligible to play in the NBA.

The Athletic’s Joe Vardon has recently suggested Bronny could follow in LaMelo Ball’s footsteps and head down under for a season in the NBL in a recent article.

“Bronny, in the fall of 2023, will either be in college, with G League Ignite or in Australia … or wherever Rich Paul places him,” said Vardon.

It’s safe to say Bronny will be the highest profile player heading into the 2023 Draft, but what he does this next season could determine where he is selected.

Right now, he would have to be considered the favourite to be the first overall pick as any team who recruits Bronny would likely sign LeBron also, but a poor next season could see his draft stock suffer.

Back in March, Sydney King’s owner Paul Smith spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about Bronny and his Father potentially making a move to the NBL.

“There’s only one city that’s big enough for LeBron and Bronny, and that’s Sydney,” said Smith.

“We’d fill 18,000 seats every week.”

Bronny may wait to make a decision until his Father’s new deal with the Lakers is sorted so that the two can plan out their next couple of years together, as LeBron is looking to play in the NBA with his son for at least one season before ending his legendary career.

The Lakers will be hoping this can all be sorted before the NBA season starts, as Darvin Ham’s side will be looking to improve on a disappointing last season where they missed the playoffs entirely.