Bronny James was still in high school when LeBron James tweeted that his son was “definitely better” than some NBA players. It was in 2020 that King James expressed his desire to share the court with his son one day in the NBA, saying that it was one of his remaining goals in basketball. While it may have seemed far-fetched then, the father-son duo made NBA history this season. On October 22, they shared the court for the first time in the league, and LeBron called it “one of the greatest gifts.” With this goal fulfilled, LeBron might be heading to the end of his career, but over the last few months, certain dominoes have fallen into place, moves that could ultimately prolong his career.

The blockbuster Luka Doncic trade by the Lakers and the team’s resurgence mean James has the chance to add to his four NBA rings. Doncic’s addition also means James may not have to do all the heavy lifting during their playoff run and in the future as well. But there is something else brewing.

On Thursday, his younger son, Bryce, officially joined Arizona, having committed to the program in January. He also drew interest from schools like Ohio State and Duquesne, but in the end, he committed to Tommy Lloyd’s squad down in Tucson. His parents welcomed the move as one question lingered. Could we see LeBron team up with both his sons in the NBA? Could the lightning strike twice? Well, former ESPN employee Rachel Nichols has some tea.

After the news of her son’s commitment being made official, Savannah posted a message. “So proud of you @_justbryce!! Your silent hustle has definitely not gone unnoticed!! I’m so excited for you and I can’t wait to cheer you on through this journey!” That wasn’t just a mother’s encouragement—it was a window into how the James family sees this path, and this is where a mother’s wish comes in.

In a recent segment for Sports Illustrated on YouTube, Nichols said, “All of a sudden, Savannah James said that she wants LeBron to play through when Bryce is in the league. So, that’s not next season, where he will be at Arizona, it’s the season after that. You don’t think if Luka is winning him rings, he’s going to just stay? He certainly could.”

Nichols painted the full picture earlier saying, “LeBron’s window has now been extended, because LeBron for the first time in his entire career, can lay back for the first three quarters of these playoff games if he needs to and let Austin Reaves and Luka go and show up in the fourth the way he does, anchoring the defense, the way he cannot do for four quarters anymore—but can do for the fourth, if he’s rested.”

So, while Savannah would love to see Bryce team up with LeBron and even his brother in the league, is this a realistic possibility?

Under current NBA rules, Bryce won’t be eligible for the draft until a year after his high school graduation, putting the 2026 NBA Draft as his earliest shot at turning pro. If everything falls into place, he could make his debut in the 2026–27 season at just 19 years old. But for that dream scenario to play out, LeBron would have to keep lacing up his sneakers for at least three more seasons. By then, he’d be 42 and defying Father Time yet again.

However, this means two more seasons of 9 p.m. bedtimes. Of five-hour pregame routines. Of speedy recovery, precision eating, endless flights, and playoff pushes. It means pushing his body even more, and yet if anyone could do it, it’s LeBron.

If it comes to fruition, it would be nothing short of historic. A father sharing the court with not just one, but two of his sons. It would be a generational feat, and maybe that’s what makes it so unlikely—and so worth chasing. If Bryce completes just one year at Arizona and declares, he’d be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft—perfectly aligned with LeBron’s potential final season.

Lebron may have one eye on Vegas in his future 

But basketball doesn’t offer neat endings. LeBron is staring down two futures. In one: a purple and gold jersey, one more run, and the impossible—sharing the court with both sons. A legacy only a handful of athletes have even dreamed of. In the other: ownership. Power. Vegas.

He’s been circling it for years. With expansion on the horizon and the NBA preparing new media deals, the timing is sharp. If he waits too long, that franchise may no longer have his name on it. Reports have already hinted he’s the front-runner for the Vegas team if it launches within the next two years.

According to Rachel Nichols, “If he has the chance to tie Kobe—or what about tie Michael Jordan for rings?… The one thing the MJ-over-LeBron crowd always says is: six finals, six rings. I think LeBron would be very interested in winning ring five and six before ownership.” She added, “You don’t think if Luka’s winning him rings, he’s gonna stick around? He absolutely could. The only thing that might pull LeBron away is owning that Vegas team.”

And now, with Luka Doncic by his side, the math finally works. Doncic’s arrival hasn’t just added firepower—it’s recalibrated the entire offense. His ability to absorb primary playmaking duties gives LeBron the one thing he’s rarely had: the freedom to pick his spots, conserve energy, and deliver when it matters most.

The Lakers have entered the 2025 playoffs with a revamped identity, headlined by the most dangerous offensive pairing in the league: LeBron and Luka. And together, they’ve become a matchup nightmare. LeBron, now more surgical than explosive, thrives in this new balance. He no longer has to play 40+ minutes of brute force basketball. He has Luka and Reaves by his side.

However, this brings us to the unavoidable question: how long can he keep this up? Because while Savannah’s quiet ask represents the emotional side of this journey, the physical toll is undeniable.

LeBron is now 40. He’s still averaging near 25.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, per NBA.com. But the cost is steep. His recovery regimen is legendary, but is it sustainable? “If I ever stop wanting to be five hours early… that’s when I’ll know,” he told Pat McAfee. “That’s when it’s a wrap.”

So yes, he’s watching Bryce’s timeline. He’s tracking Vegas. He’s eyeing legacy and making Savannah’s wishes come true. But he’s also counting rings. This isn’t just LeBron’s swan song. It might be his best final act. But there’s a chance to perhaps etch a legacy which won’t be replicated.

The greatest assist of LeBron’s life won’t come in transition. It’ll come when he hands the ball to his son—and lets go. And just maybe, it’s the only stat that will outlast them all.