As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his storied NBA career, attention has turned to his sons, Bronny and Bryce James, as potential torchbearers for the James legacy. While Bronny’s first year with the Lakers had its ups and downs, media attention now focuses on Bryce, who Many believe this could be the next big thing in basketball, some say much bigger than Bronny.

Bryce, currently a standout in his junior year for the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers, was highly recruited as a 16-year-old (according to a new On3 rankings, Bryce is ranked as the No. 100 best player overall), with scouts speculating that he may declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.

But just how good is Bryce James?

Born on June 14, 2007, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bryce moved frequently during his youth, following LeBron’s NBA careerR. From Cleveland to Miami and back, the James family finally settled in California after LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryce enrolled at Sierra Canyon High School, but his journey was anything but smooth. He transferred schools several times, from Campbell Hall to Notre Dame High School, before returning to Sierra Canyon in November 2023. Bryce was sidelined for a significant period due to transfer rules, but he is now back on the pitch and making his mark.

Bryce first gained media attention in 2018 when LeBron tweeted that his 11-year-old son was already the best shooter in the household. Since then, Bryce has grown, both literally and figuratively. At the age of 15, he surprised many with a growth spurt, reaching about 6 feet tall, surpassing his older brother Bronny and almost reaching his father’s height.. This combination of length, size and shooting ability makes Bryce a formidable player, especially in today’s NBA where versatility is paramount.

In his junior year, Bryce played primarily at small forward, much like LeBron did at his age. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, solid perimeter defense and basketball IQ, Bryce is developing into a versatile player. Experts predict he could grow to 6-foot-1 or taller, which, combined with his shooting ability and size, would make him an ideal modern NBA player. While not yet as explosive as his father, Bryce is praised for his fundamental skills and high basketball intelligence, which will only improve as he grows physically.

What are Bryce’s prospects in basketball?

Despite his talent, Bryce’s ranking as a prospect is modest. ESPN doesn’t list him in the top 100, but ranks him 44th among small forwards. Still, it’s important to remember that many NBA stars, like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard, were also three-stars in high school. While these rankings may not predict future success, Bryce has plenty of room to improve and move up the recruiting boards.

At the age of 16, Bryce is still developing, but he has some advantages that most young players don’t have. LeBron James has been vocal about his desire to play in the NBA with at least one of his sons, and his guidance both on and off the court has undoubtedly shaped Bryce’s game. With LeBron as his coach and mentor, Bryce will get the best possible preparation for a future in the NBA