“Bear DOWN!!!! FINAL 4 BOUND,” the Lakers star stated through his official X account. Arizona defeated Purdue 79-64 and secured a spot among the tournament’s top four teams.

Tommy Lloyd’s team joins Illinois, which has also secured its spot at this stage. Can the James family finally celebrate a trip to the championship game?

The future of the Arizona Wildcats

Bryce James is currently spending the 2026 March Madness on the sidelines as he is redshirting his freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats. Although he hasn’t recorded any official stats during Arizona’s deep tournament run, the 6-foot-5 guard remains a key part of the program’s future.

By choosing to redshirt, James is focusing on his physical development and skill set under Tommy Lloyd, preserving four full years of eligibility starting in the 2026-27 season.

“The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds,” Lloyd told the Big 12 Network. “I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing.”

Waiting for the Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines crushed the Tennessee Volunteers 95-62 and will be the next opponents of the Wildcats. The Final Four game is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at Ford Field in Detroit, marking Arizona’s first appearance on this stage since 2001.

LeBron James has established himself as the personification on longevity. He’s played for so long, that the Los Angeles Lakers even drafted his first son, Bronny James, to play with his father. When asked if he’ll wait for Bryce James, the NBA legend gave a clear answer.

According to Mark Medina of Athlon Sports and Fox Sports Radio, LeBron said, “I’m not waiting on Bryce. I don’t know his timeline.” The message is clear, if LeBron is still playing when Bryce arrives in the NBA, it’s because the timelines aligned, not because LeBron waited for his second son, who is entering his first season of collegiate basketball.

Bryce James is a way different player than Bronny James. Bronny came into the league as a lockdown perimeter defender, Bryce is more of an offensive player, according to reports.

What’s Bryce James’ player profile?

Among his player profile, Bryce’s strengths are shooting, especially on his three-point shooting and pull-up jumpers, his fundamentals and IQ, which are not surprising given who his father is. He committed to the Arizona Wildcats for his college career.

Bryce stands at 6-foot-4 and is 18 years old. He is a three-star recruit, hence the NBA is not a given. However, his name certainly helps him. Arizona is not a blue blood program, so Bryce will have to earn the eyeballs on him with pure hoops.

How did Bronny James fare in his rookie year?

If Bryce wants to get to the NBA, his brother might be the parameter or the standard he has to follow. Bronny’s rookie year wasn’t nothing stellar, but he showed glimpses. He played 27 games, averaging 2.3 points per game.

It was in the G-League, however, where he showed signs of potential. He played 11 games, scored 21.9 ppg in 34.2 minutes a night, shot 38% from three and averaged 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals. The G-League was Bronny’s stage, if he can keep developing, he could become a good rotational piece. Those are the steps his brother Bryce need to follow.

While his older brother Bronny played his freshman season at USC, Bryce will make his college debut this fall for the Wildcats. During his first media availability since arriving in Tucson, Bryce shared the advice his father gave him heading into his first year of college basketball.

“Just working hard and coming in and doing what you do best,” James said Tuesday. “Making sure if you’re not having some good days, always have to stay positive. If you miss a shot, maybe get a turnover or something, don’t hang your head down. Always keep your head up. Push through and stay positive.”

James, a three-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, committed to Arizona earlier this year after receiving offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. He is one of six incoming freshmen for the Wildcats, a group that also features five-star guard Brayden Burries and five-star forward Koa Peat.

Will we see LeBron play alongside both of his sons?

It’s difficult to say whether LeBron will share the court with both Bryce and Bronny, but it’s not impossible. If LeBron remains healthy and productive for the upcoming NBA season, and follows through on speculation that he could play one or two more years, the scenario could unfold. Should it happen, it would be a landmark moment in sports history.

Bryce faces his own challenging path, not only because of the pressure of being the son of one of basketball’s greatest players, but also because many consider him the more talented of the James brothers. That perception only increases the expectations — and now, those expectations will be tested in the Wildcats program.

What to expect from Bryce and Arizona

It remains unclear how much playing time James will earn this NCAAB season in Arizona’s rotation, particularly with the Wildcats’ crowded backcourt. Star guard Jaden Bradley is projected to play a major role after starting all 37 games last season, while Anthony Dell’Orso, who started 28 games, is also expected to hold a starting spot.

“We treat Bryce just like we treat every other guy,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said earlier this summer. “He shows up every day with a smile on his face. My hope for him is that everybody gives him space and lets him develop into his own version of Bryce James. He is a great young man, so let’s let that come out and not overwhelm him with stuff he has no control over.”

The Wildcats finished 24-13 overall (14-6 Big 12) during their first season in the conference, with their campaign ending in a 100-93 loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Arizona enters this year tied for the 16th-best odds to win the 2026 national championship, alongside UCLA, Illinois, Iowa State and Gonzaga, according to FanDuel.

While the new college basketball season arrives, James is having fun, even by trying TikTok Dances. The 18-year-old appeared dancing with teammates Koa Peat and Brayden Burries on social media. A clip shared on a James’ Instagram fan page on Friday shows the trio of players doing a choreographed dance.

It starts with the trio doing synchronized moves before they take turns to display their respective moves. Two more players join the dance before everybody joins the action on camera.

Bryce James enjoys life with his friends

“This tough 🕺 @_justbryce @carterdbryant @braydenburries0,” the caption read, in a post that garnered thousands of likes in no time—including that of LeBron.

@braygocraze Da crew back TG 😂#fyp #foryou #viral @cb @Mr.4xx⚡️ @BJ @kshiesty10piece ♬ original sound – ★ 𝚃’𝙽’𝙰 ★

Contrary to his older brother, Bronny James, Bryce decided to leave the nest and attend a college outside of California. In 2022, he signed an NIL deal with Klutch Sports, the same agency that represents his father.

Ranked 257 overall by 247Sports in the class of 2025, James is ready to start his college career. It’s unclear if he’ll be a one-and-done like his brother, more so considering that he’s a part of a stacked class.

That’s why Andrew Peters of Bleacher Report believes the same could happen to Bryce, who’s about to make his college basketball debut with the Arizona Wildcats:

“The most obvious landing spot for Bryce is his father and brother’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers,” wrote Peters. “The Lakers took Bronny in the second round a year ago and were seemingly adamant about getting him in that spot. Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul reportedly told teams that if they selected Bronny, he would go play in Australia.”

The Lakers might not want Bryce James

Of course, with the Lakers shifting their attention towards Luka Doncic, perhaps they might not feel as obligated to comply with James and Rich Paul’s draft demands:

“It’s hard to say whether Los Angeles would once again be that committed to drafting one of LeBron’s sons, but if Bryce is available when it’s the Lakers’ turn to draft, it seems unlikely they would pass on him,” Peters wrote.

The Lakers and James drew strong criticism for how they handled Bronny’s situation, as he clearly wasn’t ready. Whether the same will happen with Bryce remains to be seen.

The 18-year-old guard recently held an Instagram Live session, where he was asked about the possibility of playing alongside his father in the NBA—just as his brother Bronny did during the 2024-25 season with the Lakers and is likely to do again next year.

“They said my dad still gonna be in the league when I get drafted… I ain’t gonna lie, that’s OD,” Bryce said immediately. “Waiting until I… nah, that’s too much… That’s too much. No. No. He’s gonna be 42, bro.”

LeBron’s second son is just beginning his journey in college basketball. He committed to the University of Arizona to play with the Wildcats less than three months ago and has yet to begin competing there.

At the same time, his father is preparing to begin another season with the Lakers, during which he’ll turn 41 at the end of December. That means their timelines remain far apart for now, making it difficult to imagine them sharing the court in the future.

According to Bryce’s comments, his father would be 42 by the time he’s ready to make the leap to the NBA. That suggests he’s aiming for the pros in two years: James would turn 42 midway through the 2026-27 campaign, meaning two full seasons still lie ahead.

Still, given LeBron’s remarkable longevity and his drive to continue breaking records, it might be premature to rule out the possibility entirely. History has seen many players stay active in the league well into their 40s.

Currently, James ranks 19th among the oldest players to ever appear in an NBA game, at 40 years and 192 days. If all goes according to plan, he’s expected to climb that list during the upcoming year, passing legends like Manu Ginobili, Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, and John Stockton.

To play alongside Bryce, LeBron would need to reach beyond 42 years of age, placing him among the eight oldest players in NBA history. That list is topped by Nat Hickey, who retired just days shy of turning 46. Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Vince Carter, Udonis Haslem, Dikembe Mutombo, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the other players who remained active past 42.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

As he prepares for his freshman year, James is making a solid impression during his first training sessions with the Wildcats. Along with fellow new signings Brayden Burries, Mabilmawut Kon and Motiejus Krivas, James was seen taking on drills with the rest of his teammates.

On Thursday, the Wildcats men’s team Instagram account shared a series of pictures that showed Bryce James and others sweating it out in the gym, as they prepare for the 2025-26 NCAA season.

Can Bryce James be eligible for the NBA draft after freshman year?

The simple answer would be yes, as the NBA requires potential draftees to be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft. Bryce James turned 18 on June 14, meaning he’ll be just fine if he decides to join the association next year. However, another major factor in this scenario involves NBA teams.

James must prove to the general managers and scouts that he’s ready to take his game to the next level and contribute to a team. He was rated as a 3-star recruit coming from Sierra Canyon by 247 Sports, but also the No. 264 overall player, the No. 45 guard and the No. 26 player from California.

Bryce doesn’t carry the same expectations as his brother, which could help him have an easier adjustment period with the Wildcats.

As part of the official announcement, Arizona didn’t just unveil Bryce’s commitment with custom graphics—they also released a video message from the 17-year-old. In it, Bryce appears wearing a Wildcats jersey and delivers a short but confident message to his new fan base: “What’s going on Wildcat Nation? Can’t wait to get there and start working. Bear Down!”

Bryce, who is three years younger than his brother Bronny, has a long road ahead. Bronny has already made headlines by debuting in the NBA alongside their father in what was a groundbreaking father-son moment in professional basketball. Could lightning strike twice? Thanks to LeBron’s remarkable longevity, that dream might not be as far-fetched as it seems.

If it happens, it would be unprecedented. A father playing not just with one, but two of his sons in a professional sports game has never happened in modern sports history. To make that scenario a reality, LeBron would need to remain active for at least three more seasons, while Bronny must continue to develop into a consistent NBA contributor. At the same time, Bryce would need to accelerate his growth and arrive in the league quickly and successfully.

When could Bryce realistically reach the NBA? A timeline breakdown

Bryce James, now 17, is set to make his college debut in the 2025–26 NCAA season. Under current NBA eligibility rules, players must be one year removed from high school graduation before entering the draft. That means the 2026 NBA Draft would be Bryce’s first opportunity to turn pro.

If all goes according to plan, Bryce could make his NBA debut in the 2026–27 season, at age 19. That would also mark LeBron James’ 24th NBA season, when he’d be 42 years old.

Even for LeBron—widely recognized as one of the most durable athletes in NBA history—that timeline presents serious challenges. Age, health, and motivation will all play critical roles. But if anyone can defy those odds, it’s him.

How rare is a multigenerational NBA legacy? Let history be the judge

A LeBron-Bronny-Bryce trio on the NBA floor would mark uncharted territory for any major sport. In baseball, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. made history in 1990 when they played together for the Seattle Mariners—but that was just father and son. In football, iconic dynasties like the Mannings, Matthews, and Longs have spanned generations, yet never simultaneously. And in the NBA, the Curry family—with Dell, Stephen, and Seth—offers another notable case, though they never shared a roster.

What the James family is potentially building transcends those examples. This wouldn’t just be a legacy—it would be a living sports epic, magnified by the stature of LeBron as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

During a recent appearance on the Podcast P with Paul George, Howard revealed details of a conversation he had with LeBron about his future plans. According to Howard, LeBron not only wants to play with Bronny but also aims to bring Bryce into the Lakers’ fold, turning the team into a family affair.

“I asked LeBron. He said he wanted Bronny, and he said he’s trying to get Bryce,” Howard shared. “The last time I talked to LeBron, he said, ‘Listen, I’m trying to get Bronny and Bryce to be on the Lakers, and I’m trying to get Savannah to be—he’s going to be the owner of the team, so it’s a family affair. The whole James family.’”

While the mention of Savannah James, LeBron’s wife, was likely a joke, Dwight Howard emphasized his admiration for LeBron’s vision and their time together as teammates, particularly during the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run.

“I really enjoyed my time with the Lakers. Obviously, playing with LeBron, it’s a great memory,” Howard said. “As far as retirement, man, I just wanted to play as long as I could play and retire when I feel like retiring, not when somebody else tells me I should.”

Bryce James: A long-term project for LeBron?

Bryce James, LeBron’s younger son, is currently a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. Unlike his brother Bronny, who may follow the “one-and-done” path to the NBA, Bryce could take a different route. If he decides to enter the NBA draft after his freshman year, there’s a risk he may not be selected, potentially opening the door for the Lakers to sign him as a free agent.

This raises an intriguing question: Will LeBron wait for Bryce’s NBA debut before playing alongside Bronny? If so, LeBron would need to extend his career for at least two more years, a remarkable feat for a player already in his 21st season.

A James family dynasty in the making?

The idea of a James family dynasty with the Lakers has captivated NBA fans and analysts alike. LeBron, who has hinted at eventually owning an NBA team, could see his dream come full circle by playing alongside his sons and potentially transitioning into a leadership role with the franchise.

This unprecedented scenario would not only solidify LeBron’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history but also create a unique family narrative in professional sports.

While Bryce’s announcement sparked some reactions, what stood out was Bronny’s decision to simply repost his younger brother’s message without adding any personal comments on his brother’s upcoming move to the Wildcats in 2025.

Many fans interpreted Bronny’s move as selfless, especially considering LeBron’s aspirations of becoming one of the few athletes to play alongside both of his sons on the same court. Bryce’s talent has already drawn attention, with Bryce impressing in a three-point contest, further fueling buzz around his future.

Meanwhile, Bronny continues to develop his game, making strides in the G League but seeing limited minutes in the NBA. However, this season could provide a significant opportunity for him to embrace a role similar to JJ Redick’s, potentially showcasing his skills and carving out a more prominent spot in the league.

LeBron’s potential reunion with Bryce in the NBA

LeBron James is planning to play for at least two more seasons, with the possibility of extending his career by a third, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. And that could be enough time to see if he is able to play with Bryce in the same team.

Charania also noted that the 2024-25 season could coincide with a potential retirement for James, aligning with the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. That season would mark Year 23 for the future Hall of Famer, making it a fitting milestone for his potential exit from the league.

Could LeBron achieve that?

At just 17 years old, Bryce James is already making waves in the NCAA as he gears up for a potential NBA career. However, due to the league’s age eligibility rules, he won’t be eligible for the NBA Draft for a few more years.

If LeBron James decides to extend his career into 2026, it could pave the way for him to share the court with both of his sons. By that time, Bryce will be 19, while LeBron will be 42—a rare and potentially historic moment in basketball history. Until then, all eyes will be on LeBron and Bronny as they look to make an impact on the Lakers’ success this season.