NBA

LeBron James reportedly opting into player option for 2025-26 season: When will his son Bryce be eligible to enter the NBA?

It all points to LeBron James staying with the Los Angeles Lakers after latest reports. This now begs the question of how many years he has left and if he will be able to play with his son Bryce James.

LeBron James speaks onstage at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.
© Slaven Vlasic/Getty ImagesLeBron James speaks onstage at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.

LeBron James will play for the Los Angeles Lakers for at least another season. Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, told it to ESPN. LeBron’s player option has a value of $52.6 million. However, more than just money, this makes us question if James is playing all the way to share the court with another one of his sons, Bryce James.

Bryce James will be eligible to get drafted in 2026. As for now, he has committed to play for the University of Arizona next season. This means that if LeBron James wants to play with him, he will have to play for at least two more years.

Now, will that be on the Lakers? That remains to be seen. However, if James wants to hit free agency, Bryce’s stock will rise as LeBron would likely go wherever his son is drafted.

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Is Bryce better than Bronny?

Bryce is now a 3-star recruit according to 247Sports. Bronny was ranked as a 5-star recruit back in the day, so at first glance, Bronny was a better prospect. Having said that, Bronny’s health issues at USC might have hampered his career.

Bryce James has been hooping with Sierra Canyon

Bryce James #5 of Sierra Canyon after making a three-point shot against Notre Dame in the first half at Intuit Dome on February 01, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Bryce James is four inches taller than Bronny, standing at 6’6″. His high school stats are nothing to brag about, as he posted 6.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 36.8% from three-point range. He has athleticism on his side, but his game is very raw and needs time to develop.

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Where will Bryce James play?

If drafted, two places are the clear-cut favorites to get Bryce and therefore LeBron. Obviously, the Lakers come as the first option. That would likely mean all three James will play together as Bryce would join LeBron and Bronny.

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Another likely destination would be Cleveland. This would mean that LeBron would end his career where it all started, leaving his son to inherit what once was his kingdom.

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