Passing the Torch: Bryce James Begins His Rise as LeBron Prepares to Step Back
LeBron James has already shared the NBA spotlight with his eldest son, Bronny, making history as the league’s first-ever father-son duo to play together. While Bronny’s NBA debut stirred mixed reactions, the James family remained grounded, unfazed by public opinion. Now, another compelling chapter is unfolding—this time through LeBron’s younger son, Bryce James.
Bryce, just 17, recently committed to the University of Arizona, setting his own course toward basketball greatness. Unlike Bronny, who entered college as a four-star recruit, Bryce is currently ranked a three-star prospect by 247 Sports, sitting at No. 257 in his class. But the rankings don’t define him—they motivate him. His journey isn’t built on the weight of expectations, but on the quiet determination to grow, brick by brick, away from the spotlight his father has owned for two decades.
Ahead of his move to Tucson this summer, Bryce was seen training with Phil Handy—a veteran coach who’s intimately familiar with the James family legacy. Handy, who worked alongside LeBron during his championship runs with both the Cavaliers and Lakers, posted a photo of Bryce training with other young talents, captioning it, “Whole lot of next generation talent and an Ole Head in this pic.” LeBron’s response was simple, yet powerful: “Yessir!!!!”
On his “Mind The Game” podcast, LeBron reflected on the emotional milestone of sending Bryce off to college, calling it “another bird out the nest.” This isn’t just about basketball anymore. It’s about fatherhood, growth, and letting go.
As Bryce steps into his own, the James family is showing us a different kind of legacy—one that values pace over pressure, effort over entitlement. Whether or not LeBron shares the court with Bryce someday isn’t the point. What matters now is that Bryce is carving out his own story—patiently, purposefully, and on his own terms.
