The Los Angeles Lakers already employ NBA legend LeBron James and his eldest son Bronny James, so why not make it three-for-three?
That is the idea behind an article from Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters on Wednesday, June 25, in which he dubs Los Angeles the top landing spot for Bryce James — LeBron James’ younger son. Bryce James is a recent graduate of Sierra Canyon High School in California and a future freshman hooper at the University of Arizona for at least the 2025-26 season.
Bryce James will be eligible for the NBA draft in June 2026, though whether he will merit a selection remains an open question.
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.
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 its the Lakers’ turn to draft, it seems unlikely they would pass on him.
There was naturally some criticism after the Lakers drafted Bronny last year, but the move worked out well. While Bronny didn’t see the court much, he got to experience all that comes with being an NBA player while getting his reps in the G League. Assuming the younger Bryce is a similar prospect, joining the Lakers and splitting time in the NBA and G League could be the right call.
Bronny James Developed Significantly Over Rookie Year With Lakers
GettyBronny James (left) and LeBron James (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryce James is a three-star recruit heading into Arizona, while Bronny James was a five-star recruit heading into the University of Southern California two years ago.
The Lakers selected Bronny James with the No. 55 pick in the second round of the 2024 draft, inking him to a four-year contract worth nearly $8 million that included almost $4.4 million in guaranteed money.
That kind of contract is uncommon for a player selected so late and may have been a product of LeBron James’ relationship with the Lakers organization. But accusations of nepotism aside, Bronny James proved himself a more than viable G League player for the South Bay Lakers during his rookie campaign.
Bronny James averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 34.2 minutes per game across 11 appearances in the G League last season. He played in 27 games with the NBA version of the Lakers, putting up 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per night.
Lakers Traded Up in Second Round of 2025 NBA Draft
GettyLos Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers will likely look to improve their roster in major ways this summer, though the draft is not going to be one of them.
Los Angeles did not hold a first-round pick on Wednesday, though did enter Thursday with a second-round selection — No. 55 overall for the second year in a row.
However, the team dealt that pick and cash to the Chicago Bulls ahead of second-round action to move up to the No. 45 overall selection, meaning the Lakers likely have a specific target in mind with their sole draft pick of 2025.
