LeBron James and his son Bronny made NBA history last week when they became the first father-son duo to play alongside each other in the same game as teammates during the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While many have criticized the Lakers’ decision to draft the younger James, others have celebrated it as a touching moment between father and son.
There are now some whispers that perhaps the elder James may want to stick around long enough to also play with his youngest son Bryce. Tristan Thompson, one of LeBron James’ former teammates, said the 39-year-old will stick around long enough to play with both of his sons (h/t Lakers Daily).
Via cleveland.com:
“Look at how ‘Bron is playing,” Thompson said. “He could probably play another four or five more years. He might as well keep playing so he can play with Bryce.
“He’s going to end up doing it. He is. That’s what’s going to happen. All three of them are going to be on the same team.
“It’s just a blessing for that whole family, man. I’m so happy for all of them. I hope my kids play in the NBA. I know I’m not going to play with my kids, but I hope my kids can feel something special like this one day. Pressure is on.”
When LeBron James was told of Thompson’s comments, he didn’t exactly shut the door on that possibility.
“Oh [expletive],” he said while laughing when cleveland.com brought up Thompson’s comments. “Bryce is a senior. I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see. That would be pretty cool. It’s all about my mind and then seeing how my body reacts over these next couple of years.”
While many are skeptical that Bronny James, who is 6-foot-1.5, can make it as a legitimate NBA player, it looks like Bryce James may have more raw potential. The latter is reportedly 6-foot-6, and he has already gotten some offers from prominent college basketball programs, such as Ohio State University.
He attends Sierra Canyon School, a private prep school in the San Fernando Valley that Bronny James previously attended. He will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2026, which is a year after his class will graduate from high school.
LeBron James is currently under contract through next season. Last week, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the four-time MVP could possibly play until the 2026-27 season, and if he does, that would allow him to take the court alongside Bryce James, provided Bryce James gets drafted into the NBA in 2026.