How good is Bryce James, Lebron's second son? Will he make it to the NBA?

As LeBron James nears the end of his legendary NBA career, attention turns to his sons Bronny and Bryce James as potential torchbearers for James' legacy. While Bronny's first year with the Lakers brought some ups and downs, the media focus now turns to Bryce Many believe he could be the next big thing in basketball, some say much bigger than Bronny.

Bryce, currently a standout in his junior year with the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, was heavily recruited as a 16-year-old (according to a new On3 rankings, Bryce is the 100th best player overall), and scouts are speculating that he can declare for the 2026 NBA draft.

But how good is Bryce James really?

Born on the June 14, 2007, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bryce moved frequently throughout his childhood following LeBron's NBA careerR. From Cleveland to Miami and back, the James family eventually settled in California after LeBron moved to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryce enrolled at Sierra Canyon High School, but his journey was anything but smooth. He changed schools several times, from Campbell Hall to Notre Dame High School, before returning to Sierra Canyon in November 2023. Bryce had to take a long break due to transfer rules, but now he's back on the pitch and making his mark.

Bryce first came to 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, growing to about 6 feet tall, surpassing his older brother Bronny and approaching his father's height. That combination of size, size and shooting ability makes Bryce a formidable prospect, especially in today's NBA where versatility is at the forefront.

In his junior year, Bryce played primarily as a small forward, similar to LeBron at his age. Known for his smooth shooting, solid perimeter defense and basketball IQ, Bryce is developing into a well-rounded player. Experts believe he could reach 6'3″ or taller, which combined with his shooting ability and size would make him an ideal modern NBA player. Although Bryce is not yet as explosive as his father, he is praised for his basic knowledge and high basketball intelligence, which will only improve as he grows physically.

What prospects does Bryce have in basketball?

Despite his talent, Bryce's ranking as a young talent is 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 like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard were also three-star prospects in high school. While these rankings may not be a prediction of future success, Bryce has plenty of room to improve and rise up the recruiting boards.

At 16 years old, Bryce is still developing, but has some advantages that most young players don't have. LeBron James has been vocal about his desire to play with at least one of his sons in the NBA, and his leadership on and off the court has undoubtedly shaped Bryce's game. With LeBron as a coach and mentor, Bryce is given the best possible preparation for a future in the NBA