The James family name continues to echo through basketball halls, but this time around, it is the youngest of the trio, Bryce James, who is now stepping into the spotlight. As he begins his freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats, Bryce isn’t shying away from the weight of his last name, or from speaking out when it matters. 

While LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains a looming question, and Bronny James navigates his place within a franchise built around championship expectations and shifting timelines, the James brothers are backing each other, publicly and directly.

“Big season two loading.”That was the caption from Slam on a back-profile post of Bronny James, wearing his iconic No. 9 in Lakers colors, a photo that hinted at growth, resilience, and a second-year statement from a player who’s had to prove everything. Not long after, the post appeared again. This time, on Bryce James’ Instagram story. In the midst of swirling rumors about LeBron’s uncertain status in LA and Bronny’s future hanging in the balance, the message from Bryce was loud and clear: He’s backing his brother to keep climbing, regardless of the noise.

“Some advice that [my dad] has given me is working hard,” Bryce said earlier this week during his first media session at Arizona. “Just come in here and do what you do best… even if you’re not having good days, just always have this ‘stay positive’ mentality.” Then came Bronny’s advice, perhaps even more revealing. “Some advice that he gives to me every day is staying consistent,” Bryce said. “Be locked in, don’t be focused on any other thing besides coming in here and putting in the work.” Words shared between brothers now carry more weight than ever, and sometimes even just small actions also work as the Lakers’ franchise outlook begins to shift. 

The Lakers are caught between the twilight of the LeBron James era and the dawn of a Luka Doncic future. They’re trying to compete now while simultaneously preparing for what’s next. But that balancing act doesn’t leave much room for sentimentality, or second chances.

A franchise in transition

Bronny James finds himself right in the middle of the transitional phase of the Los Angeles Lakers. Drafted with the 55th pick in 2024, he joined the Lakers largely to fulfill LeBron’s long-stated dream of playing alongside his son. That goal was achieved, history was made. But what now? According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, Bronny’s spot on the roster is far from guaranteed going forward. “Unless he plays well enough to earn a spot in the Lakers’ rotation next season, he might not be brought back,” Hollinger wrote. The logic is ruthless, but it’s also honest. Without LeBron, the pressure on LA to keep Bronny diminishes.

And with LeBron opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, but leaving the door open to a trade or departure, things are suddenly fragile. In year one, Bronny saw limited NBA minutes, averaging 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes over 27 games. But his G-League stint told a different story. In 11 games with South Bay, he posted 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while hitting 38% from deep. Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan hinted that Bronny might see meaningful minutes this season: “I love Bronny… we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year.”

Still, none of it is promised. And should LeBron leave, whether for Dallas, Golden State, or retirement, Bronny’s status would be re-evaluated on performance alone. Stephen A. Smith once suggested Bronny was “only in the NBA because of his dad.” Though the First Take host and LeBron both have a murky relationship with each other, so such harsh comments are not necessarily unexpected. That’s the spotlight Bronny lives under.

“People just try to link me with all the greatness [LeBron] has achieved,” Bronny told ESPN last year. “I haven’t done anything yet… there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron.” That’s what makes Bryce’s subtle but powerful gesture feel bigger than just a story post. It’s about validation, the belief that while the Lakers might be weighing contracts and rotations, the James brothers are still focused on one thing: putting in the work.