NBA
Bronny James Isn't LeBron's Only Basketball-Playing Son
Joe Kozlowski began his career as a sports journalist in 2013 and joined Sports7 in 2019. He covers the NBA and soccer for Sports7, with specialties in legacy NBA players such as Michael Jordan and Premier League club Arsenal. Off the clock, he's a Kansas City Chiefs fan and a hockey goalie. Growing up loving Shaquille O'Neal and reading everything he could about the great big men throughout NBA history — likely because he was still tall enough, at least relative to his peers, to play center — he's continued to love learning about and exploring the historical and story-based sides of the basketball archives. As for Arsenal, Joe spent a year living in London and latched onto the local support of the club. He's barely missed a match since, loving Arsene Wenger, enduring the Banter Era, and following along through rebuilds. The Premier League interest developed into a passionate following of the Champions League, Europe's big five league, and international soccer as a whole when played at the highest level. Regardless of the sport, Joe is captivated by the stories of athletes beyond the box scores and how they push the envelope — both in terms of what we think a human is capable of accomplishing and how they find new competitive tactics to win.
All posts by Joe KozlowskiUpdated28 May 2020
While the modern NBA is chock full of stars, it's tough to get any bigger than LeBron James. Ever since he burst onto the basketball scene in high school, King James has been a dominant force. Retirement, however, won't end the James dynasty; it seems like his son, Bronny James, is poised to take the crown.
Bronny may be making headlines with his high school team, but there's another basketball-playing member of the James clan waiting in the wings: LeBron's youngest son, Bryce.
LeBron James' legendary basketball career
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As any sports fan can tell you, declaring an active player a legend can be a risky proposition. LeBron James' place in basketball history, however, is a pretty safe bet.
Despite his difficult childhood, James found a home on the basketball court. He quickly blossomed into a star; even in high school, his games became appointment viewing on ESPN. After going first-overall in the 2003 NBA draft, though, LeBron's star only continued to rise.
While there were some bumps in the road—making a spectacle of leaving Ohio during The Decision immediately comes to mind—James has lived up to the hype. After 17 years in the NBA, he's still going strong; he's won three titles, four league MVP awards, and just about everything else available.
Off the court, James has also developed into a powerhouse. Due to his talent and comparative affability—whether it's accurate or not, LeBron doesn't seem to have the same cold ruthlessness as Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan—he's become a business in his own right; the Lakers star has plenty of investments, some massive endorsement deals, and his own charitable foundation.
Bronny James seems like a natural heir to the throne
LeBron isn't the only member of the family who's shining on the hardwood, though. His teenage son, Bronny, seems to have plenty of talent in his own right.
Although Bronny is still playing at Sierra Canyon High School, he already has basketball fans and scouts excited about the future. “I first saw him last summer and was struck by his poise and ability to navigate all the craziness around him,” Eric Bossi of Rivals.com explained in 2019. “That poise is still there, and Bronny has now grown to 6-foot-2, has a great frame, is a budding athlete, and has the game to play at the point or shooting guard position.”
James' own teammates have noticed the same thing; for all of the teenager's physical tools, he's already well versed at dealing with pressure.
“You’d be surprised by all the stuff Bronny has to go through,” Ziaire Williams, a five-star recruit on the Sierra Canyon squad, explained, according to USA Today. “It’s not fair, but he doesn’t let it faze him at all.”
Bronny isn't LeBron James' only basketball-playing son
Despite his burgeoning star status, Bronny isn't LeBron James' only basketball-playing son. While he might not have the same name recognition, Bryce Maximus is also waiting in the wings.
Since Bryce won't turn 13 until June 2020, knowledge of his game is still a bit limited. He does play AAU ball, however, and is apparently a pretty good shooter, if we can believe his father. In December 2019, ESPN's Paul Biancardi said that Bronny's jumper was better than LeBron's; King James responded on social media, saying that Bryce “got a cooker too” and was already better shooter than his old man.
Given their respective ages, there's no guarantee that Bronny or Bryce James will become NBA stars like their father. If nothing else, though, they could team up with LeBron to form a formidable three-on-three squad.
