Let's be real. If you’re a basketball fan, you’ve probably spent a decent amount of time wondering if the James family is ever going to run out of steam. It’s 2026, and the "LeBron legacy" is no longer just about the King himself; it’s a full-blown family business. If you’re looking to find out who do lebron james son play for, the answer has actually gotten a bit more complicated—and a lot more interesting—this year.
We aren't just talking about high school mixtapes anymore. We're talking about active NBA rosters and high-stakes college ball in the Big 12.
Bronny James: Still in the Purple and Gold
Bronny James is currently in his second professional season. To answer the most pressing part of "who do lebron james son play for," Bronny is still a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. But it hasn't exactly been a straight shot to superstardom.
After being drafted 55th overall in 2024, the narrative was all about the "father-son duo." They made history. It was cool. But fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and the reality of being a second-round pick has set in. Bronny spends a significant chunk of his time in a "two-way" capacity, meaning he bounces between the main Lakers roster and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Honestly, the G League is where he’s actually getting the reps. Just recently, in January 2026, he’s been putting up some solid numbers for South Bay, even dropping 20 points in a high-efficiency game. When he’s with the big club, he’s mostly a rotational spark plug. Coach JJ Redick (yeah, he’s still at the helm) uses him for defensive intensity in short bursts. His stats aren't mind-blowing—averaging around 1.5 to 2 points per game in limited NBA minutes—but the kid is clearly working on that 3-point shot, which has crept up to about 33% this season.
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He’s fighting for every second. Especially with the Lakers recently signing Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract to shore up their guard depth, Bronny’s seat is definitely getting a little warm. He’s under a four-year rookie deal, but in the NBA, "under contract" and "getting minutes" are two very different things.
Bryce James: The Wildcat Era
Now, if you were asking who do lebron james son play for because you saw a kid who looks exactly like LeBron but taller than Bronny, you’re thinking of Bryce Maximus James.
Bryce is currently a freshman at the University of Arizona.
He committed to the Wildcats on New Year's Day 2025 and officially joined the program for the 2025-26 NCAA season. It was a bit of a shock to some who thought he’d head to Ohio State or maybe Duquesne to play for his dad’s old friend Dru Joyce III. Instead, he chose Tucson.
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Why Arizona?
- Player Development: Coach Tommy Lloyd is known for turning wings into pros.
- The "Normal" Experience: Sources close to the family mentioned Bryce wanted a genuine college vibe away from the Los Angeles fishbowl.
- Size: At 6'5" (and maybe still growing), Bryce has the frame that NBA scouts drool over, but he’s still raw.
Currently, Bryce is navigating his freshman year. There was a lot of talk about a potential redshirt year to help him bulk up, but he's been active on the roster, sporting the number 6 jersey. He’s not the focal point of the offense yet—Arizona is stacked this year—but he’s showing flashes of that "Maximus" potential, particularly with his smooth perimeter jumper.
The Gap: Why People Get Confused
It’s easy to get the two mixed up because their paths are so different.
Bronny is the 6'2" defensive specialist trying to find his footing in the pros. Bryce is the 6'5" (or 6'6" depending on who’s holding the measuring tape) sharpshooter trying to prove he’s more than just a famous last name in the college ranks.
The "LeBron James Son" Google search usually peaks whenever the Lakers play a primetime game, but Bryce is starting to pull his own weight in the search results. People are starting to realize that Bryce might actually be the better long-term prospect. Scouts have been saying it for years, and now that he's playing Big 12 ball, we’re actually seeing it play out.
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What’s Next for the James Boys?
If you're following their careers, the next 12 months are pivotal.
For Bronny, it's about survival. He needs to show the Lakers—or another team—that he can be a reliable 3-and-D guard. His contract has a team option for the 2027-28 season, which feels like a lifetime away in NBA years. He needs to stick.
For Bryce, the 2026 NBA Draft is technically the earliest he could jump, but almost no one expects that. He’s likely a two-or-three-year college player. The dream of LeBron playing with both sons in the NBA is still alive, but it requires LeBron to stay healthy until he’s 42 or 43.
Wild? Yes. Impossible? It’s LeBron. Don’t bet against it.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
- Check the South Bay Lakers Schedule: If you want to see Bronny actually play 30 minutes and handle the ball, watch the G League. That’s where the development is happening.
- Watch Arizona on Late-Night TV: Bryce plays in the Big 12 now, so the competition is fierce. Keep an eye on his shooting percentages; that’s his ticket to the league.
- Ignore the "Nepotism" Noise: Every time you look up who do lebron james son play for, you'll see comments about why they're there. Just watch the tape. Bronny’s point-of-attack defense is legitimate NBA-level, and Bryce’s shot mechanics are better than his dad’s were at 18.
The James era isn't ending; it's just diversifying. Whether it's the Crypto.com Arena or the McKale Center, the family is still very much the center of the basketball world.