LeBron James is eager to ensure that his NBA legacy extends far into the future, after his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers are over. LeBron‘s eldest son, Bronny, was a Lakers draft pick last year, and the two have shared the court in the Lakers‘ famous purple and gold already this season. And another James son is on his way to the pros, as Bryce James‘ committment to play for the University of Arizona is a signal of his future intent.
The Arizona men’s basketball program is among the most historic in the NCAA. The Wildcats won their sole national championship in 1997 under iconic coach Lute Olsen, and the program has been known as “Point Guard U” for the number of NBA-ready floor generals that have passed through the McKale Center. Bryce, who has played primarily as a shooting guard in high school, will join the NCAA next season — and LeBron is sure to watch, at the very least.
LeBron clarifies “hands-off” approach to Bryce’s NCAA adventure
Throughout 2023 and 2024, LeBron was criticized sharply for behind-the-scenes maneuvering that landed Bronny with the Lakers on draft night — as well as his purported role in giving his son a guaranteed contract worth nearly $8 million. But during a recent appearance on “The GoJo and Golic Show“, LeBron seemed to indicate that he is not going to take the same approach with Bryce.
“(Arizona) recruited Bryce very hard and believed in Bryce and believed in his maturation process,” LeBron said on Monday’s episode. “He’s going as far as a basketball player and as a young man. He made his own decision, and as parents, myself and Savannah, we just support him, you know? We’re excited for his next chapter once he gets down there, and hopefully, I don’t have to buy the gear.”
Bryce, a 6’6” guard, had offers from Duquesne and his father’s beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, while USC signaled its interest in him. But the Sierra Canyon School star is blazing his own trail forward and will join Arizona ahead of the 2025/26 season — where, if he shows enough progress, he too could share the court with LeBron before The King retires from the NBA.
