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Choosing a college at 18 is never easy. But when your last name is James, every decision comes with a national spotlight. Earlier this year, 17-year-old Bryce James publicly pledged his future to the Arizona Wildcats of the NCAA. He posted on Instagram with the caption “100 % committed” to the Tucson-based program. He cited the full collegiate experience as key reasons for his choice, saying, “For me personally, I’d probably say the environment … I knew the fans really enjoy coming to the Arizona games and they like to get rowdy and loud.” He chose Arizona over other offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. Now, Arizona is taking the floor this season, but with Bryce? He is on the bench awaiting his chance to be the youngest James on the court. Yet conspicuously, he’s been absent from the early action. And it channelled excess speculation about his treatment in Arizona, a college he chose for himself. “Bryce James went to the wrong college.” The clip zeroed in on a video where Bryce was seen. Throughout the game, camera kept panning directly to Bryce James, who looked visibly ready. “The camera’s on Bryce James. They’re ready for him to get in the game.” Yet he was never taken on board. ADVERTISEMENT The video even claimed “Tommy Lloyd doesn’t have enough faith to put him in the game yet.” But was it true? Well, before Tommy Lloyd, a certain confidant of Bryce’s father LeBron, chimed in to defend Bryce. Former NBA player and LeBron James’ longtime ally Richard Jefferson jumped into the conversation. He posted a dismissive response: “You have no idea what you’re talking about 🤝🏽.” Jefferson has long stood by LeBron, not just as a former Cavaliers teammate but as a friend, more like a buddy. His comment only underscores the scrutiny under which the James family has to operate. First it was Bronny, who had to go through a public trial even before his debut. ADVERTISEMENT Maybe all Coach Lloyd wanted to do, was to protect Bryce from facing the same hurdles. He is only 17 with all the weight of the world and his surname on his shoulders. It is certain that Bryce is being considered for a redshirt. As Coach Lloyd made it clear before the season, “My job is to respect him as a person and help him with his own journey. And that’s our plan at Arizona. We got no extras. Let’s just help this kid develop into a great young man, and I think that’s what his family wants, and what he wants, and we’re gonna help him with that.” ADVERTISEMENT Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports He knows what he is doing. “We treat Bryce just like we treat every other guy,” Arizona coach Lloyd had said earlier this summer. “He shows up every day with a smile on his face…. My hope for him is everybody gives him space and let’s him develop into his own version of Bryce James. He is a great young man, so let’s let that come out and not overwhelm him with stuff he has no control over.” If we look at the Wildcats’ backcourt and wing rotation, it is already packed. Experienced contributors and freshmen who were brought in specifically to play right away. Senior guard Jaden Bradley anchors the offense. Senior guard Anthony Dell’Orso provides shooting and veteran presence. ADVERTISEMENT The incoming freshmen Brayden Burries (guard) and Koa Peat (forward) were both five-star recruits expected to compete immediately. That context helps explain why Bryce has yet to see meaningful minutes. It ultimately diminishes the claims of the video. The claim that the Arizona team was being unfair to Bryce. This is what RJ’s comment aimed at. The James family’s moves, despite being scrutinized, are protected by his closed circle. Despite the setback, one thing was clear: whether LeBron is present or not, his close ones are always ready to stand by him and his family. Furthermore, the sustained approach Arizona is taking with Bryce may actually be the smartest move. The James family has already seen how unforgiving public impatience can be. With both Bryce and Bronny, tasting their own versions of public perusal, LeBron himself is confronting the same cycle at the highest level. ADVERTISEMENT Questions about how much longer he can play, and whether he can coexist with Luka Dončić in L.A. are arising. And everyone has something to add on that. What’s next for LeBron James and the Lakers? Paul Pierce recently commented about LeBron James’ future in Los Angeles. This is a running topic, and everyone seems to be chiming in. We are seeing the Lakers thrive early in the 2025-26 season, even before James has played a game. On this, Pierce offered what he called a “realistic” take. He is suggesting the 40-year-old legend should come off the bench once he returns from his sciatica injury. “Let’s make it work, for this to work, like when LeBron comes back, LeBron’s gotta come off the bench,” Pierce said on KG Certified, a podcast hosted by Kevin Garnett. Pierce argued that while LeBron “can still give you the same production…but off the bench… because his game and Luka’s game don’t work together.” Garnett was left visibly stunned and was not having it. He pushed back hard, insisting that LeBron’s elite form still merits a starting role. Could James prove Pierre wrong? The Lakers’ roster has provided us with enough surprises this season. With the heroic emergence of Austin Reaves, who even reached a 51-point game without both LeBron and Luka. It remains unclear how James will fit in once he returns. And now that we are closer to seeing him play. Whether LeBron adapts to this new dynamic or wants to reclaim his throne would define the Lakers’ season.
