Bryce James is entering his freshman season at the University of Arizona with one clear message from his family: resilience is key as both LeBron and Bronny hand the young Wildcats talent key advice.
The youngest James sibling joins a family already deeply rooted in basketball with LeBron needing no introduction as a four-time NBA champion and regarded as one of the greatest of all-time.
Whilst Bronny also came through to be signed to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, despite a heart attack whilst playing college basketball with the USC Trojans.
Both know what it takes to make it to the top level of the sport and now they’re looking to pass those words on to the 18-year-old in their family, as he begins his own journey into the NCAA.
“Some advice that [my dad] has given me is working hard,” Bryce said of LeBron. “Just come in here and do what you do best, and making sure that even if you’re not having good days, just always have this ‘stay positive’ mentality.
“Maybe you miss a shot, you get a turnover or something, don’t hang your head down, always keep your head up, just push through and just stay positive.”
Arizona presents a competitive stage for Bryce. He will join a roster featuring returning players like Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso, while newcomers Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, and Dwayne Aristode are expected to make immediate contributions.
Thus he will need to prove he deserves to be on the roster and must earn his minutes, whilst the Harvard transfer, Evan Nelson, adds stability in the backcourt, and the 7’2″ center, Motiejus Krivas, returns after injury.
What advice did Bronny James give to his younger brother Bryce?
Whilst Bronny entered the NBA spotlight under unique circumstances, joining his father LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024/25 season after that second-round pick.
This historic father-son pairing made them the first duo to share the court in an NBA game, although he struggled to make an impression early doors and was sent to South Bay in the G League.
Though still finding his footing, Bronny has shown glimpses of promise, demonstrating defensive awareness, shooting touch, and basketball IQ that hint at potential as a rotation player.
So what advice does he have for his younger sibling as he also looks to take the big steps needed to land a spot on an NBA roster in the coming years?
“Some advice that he gives to me every day is staying consistent,” Bryce said of Bronny. “Be locked in, don’t be focused on any other thing besides coming in here and putting in the work.
“Going hard every day and putting in the effort.”
Read the full article here
