NBA
How good is Bryce James, Lebron’s second son? Will he make it to the NBA?
While comparisons to his father are inevitable, his unique combination of shooting, size, and basketball IQ suggests he could have his own path to success.
As LeBron James nears the twilight of his legendary NBA career, attention has turned to his sons, Bronny and Bryce James, as potential torchbearers for the James legacy. While Bronny’s freshman year at the Lakers has had its share of ups and downs, the media focus is now turning toward Bryce, who many believe could be the next big thing in basketball, some say much bigger than Bronny.
Bryce, currently a standout in his junior year for the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, has been highly recruited as a 16-year-old (Per a fresh On3 ranking, Bryce is ranked as the No. 100-best overall player), with scouts speculating that he may declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.
But how good is Bryce James, really?
Born on June 14, 2007, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bryce has moved frequently throughout his childhood, following LeBron’s NBA career. From Cleveland to Miami and back, the James family finally settled in California after LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryce enrolled at Sierra Canyon High School, but his journey has been anything but smooth. He transferred schools multiple times, from Campbell Hall to Notre Dame High School, before returning to Sierra Canyon in November 2023. Due to transfer rules, Bryce was sidelined for a significant period, but he is now back on the court and making his mark.
Bryce first garnered media attention in 2018 when LeBron tweeted that his 11-year-old son was already the best shooter in the household. Since then, Bryce has grown—both literally and figuratively. At 15, he surprised many with a growth spurt, reaching around 6’6″, surpassing his older brother Bronny, and nearing his father’s height. This combination of height, size, and shooting ability makes Bryce a formidable prospect, especially in today’s NBA, which prioritizes versatility.
In his junior year, Bryce has played predominantly as a small forward, much like LeBron did at his age. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, solid perimeter defense, and basketball IQ, Bryce is developing into a well-rounded player. Experts predict he could grow to 6’9″ or taller, which, combined with his shooting and size, would make him an ideal modern NBA player. Though not yet as explosive as his father, Bryce is praised for his fundamentals and high basketball intelligence, which will only improve as he grows physically.
What are Bryce’s prospects in basketball?
Despite his talent, Bryce’s rankings as a prospect are modest. ESPN doesn’t list him in the top 100 but ranks him 44th among small forwards. Still, it’s important to remember that many NBA stars, such as Steph Curry and Damian Lillard, were also three-star prospects in high school. While these rankings may not predict future success, Bryce has ample room to improve and rise up the recruiting boards.
At 16 years old, Bryce is still developing, but he has some advantages that most young players do not. LeBron James has been vocal about his desire to play in the NBA with at least one of his sons, and his guidance both on and off the court has undoubtedly shaped Bryce’s game. With LeBron as his coach and mentor, Bryce is getting the best possible preparation for a future in the NBA