LeBron James had high hopes of playing alongside his eldest son Bronny in the NBA, and with his second child Bryce committing to Arizona, another father-son duo in the league seemed within reach. However, a recent development has put this dream in jeopardy.
According to ESPN’s SportsCenter NEXT account, Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd has suggested the possibility of Bryce redshirting for a year. This decision could potentially delay the 18-year-old’s entry into the NBA Draft.
Lloyd was quoted saying, “Redshirting is on the table. I want Bryce to have the best college basketball career, the most options in his college basketball career.”
It is important to note that this redshirt year would not be due to any medical reasons, as clarified by a report from USA Today. The intention behind this move is to provide Bryce with more playing time and opportunities to excel in college basketball.
While this decision may benefit Bryce in the long run, it could also mean a longer stay in college and a delay in his NBA aspirations. If he opts for a redshirt year, it is unlikely that he will be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the potential delay in Bryce’s NBA debut, all eyes turn to his father LeBron James, who is gearing up for his 23rd season in the NBA. If Bryce does indeed redshirt, the earliest opportunity for LeBron to play alongside his son in the league would be the 2027-28 season. The question remains whether James will still be active in the NBA by then, possibly extending his career to a 25th season.
In a parallel development, LeBron James is also preparing for his return to the court after a period of absence. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania, James has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s NBA G League affiliate, for practice sessions and 5-on-5 play as he works towards his season debut.
This assignment creates a unique connection between James and Bryce, as both father and son have ties to the South Bay Lakers. While Bryce hones his skills in the G League, LeBron is working towards his comeback in the NBA.
As the James family navigates these career milestones, the basketball world eagerly anticipates the possibility of witnessing a historic father-son duo take the court together in the future. Whether it be in college or the NBA, the legacy of the James family continues to captivate fans and inspire generations to come.
