Bryce James has some enormous footwear to fill. The son of an NBA legend, LeBron James’ youngest had all eyes on him as he jumped into his basketball profession. Making his state of affairs much more sophisticated, Bryce not solely adopted in LeBron’s footsteps but additionally his older brother Bronny James’. The alternatives his well-known final title has afforded him have come at a price, as his profession alternative has drawn scrutiny and accusations of nepotism.

Whereas it may be laborious for outsiders to empathize with so-called nepo infants, the fixed probe can have critical penalties, in accordance with NYC neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Thoughts, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, who completely analyzed Bryce’s state of affairs for Nicki Swift. On the similar time, Bryce is fortunate to have the assist of those that have walked the trail earlier than him. Bronny has inspired Bryce because the two had been little. “Once we had been youthful, the principle factor I wish to push to him was simply having enjoyable, taking part in your sport, being assured in your self. I believe as I grew to become a senior, he is a senior now, to only have that mindset of working,” Bronny mentioned after a March 2025 sport.

Amid the criticism, LeBron has remained steadfast in his assist of his athlete sons. “Thanks each for permitting me to be your DAD and be aside of your compass by life’s trials and tribulations!” he captioned a 2024 Instagram publish. Bryce has so much to be pleased with, however his journey hasn’t been simple.

Following within the footsteps of LeBron James alone is so much to tackle. However Bryce James additionally has to take care of being in comparison with his brother. After Bryce signed on to play for the Arizona Wildcats in January 2025, former NBA participant Jeff Teague shared his ideas on not solely how the youngest James boy measures as much as Bronny but additionally to Michael Jordan’s son, Jeffrey Jordan. “Bronny is best than Jeffrey, however Bryce will not be higher than Jeffrey,” the “520 In The Morning” podcast host mentioned (by way of Primarily Sports activities).

That form of comparability is detrimental to any younger individual’s psychological well being, no matter fame or wealth. “Even their greatest accomplishments can really feel insufficient after they repeatedly measure themselves towards others,” Dr. Sanam Hafeez advised Nicki Swift. “This stress steadily damages their vanity and psychological well-being.” Past psychological well being issues, comparisons may additionally have an effect on Bryce’s profession. “That form of scrutiny makes it laborious to take dangers or work out who you actually are exterior of their shadow,” she mentioned.

Being seen as an extension of another person requires a variety of work to beat. “The amassed burden may cause self-doubt and nervousness and create the persistent feeling that your achievements will at all times fall brief,” Hafeez mentioned. Moreover the scrutiny, youngsters of well-known dad and mom may additionally inherit the destructive aspect of their legacy. “LeBron has a variety of haters,” Cayden Boozer, Carlos Boozer’s son who additionally performs basketball, advised The New York Instances. 

Bryce James’ announcement that he dedicated to the College of Arizona drew a slew of accusations of nepotism. For a lot of, his basketball expertise aren’t ok to warrant the chance he has been given. “I used to be shocked,” long-time basketball analyst Jeff Goodman mentioned on “The Area 68: After Darkish” in January 2025. “I am an Arizona grad, primary. I’ve seen Bryce James play lots, lots over the previous couple of years on the circuit … He is simply form of nondescript.”

There isn’t a doubt in Goodman’s thoughts that having LeBron James’ connections on his aspect helped Bryce advance in his school profession. “I believe one of many key causes right here that he ended up at Arizona and Arizona takes him is as a result of [of] Wealthy Paul, who represents him. Clearly, Wealthy Paul is LeBron’s buddy,” he added, referring to the influential sports activities agent. Loads of basketball followers agreed with Goodman’s take. “So he is trash however lives off his daddy’s title. Obtained it,” one social media person responded to a tweet through which Goodman listed Bryce’s stats.

Whereas the response to Bryce’s profession development is hurtful, it is common amongst youngsters of profitable dad and mom. “It may really feel like your achievements aren’t actually yours, simply extensions of your mum or dad’s legacy,” Dr. Sanam Hafeez mentioned. Nevertheless, not everybody thinks Bryce deserves the backlash. “Folks assume all the things is given to him, however he truly works laborious,” Kiyan Anthony, the son of former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, mentioned on the “Sloane Is aware of” podcast.

The Jameses are a tight-knit bunch. They typically reward one another, with Bronny James having credited his household for his skill to tune out the noise surrounding the scrutiny he has confronted. “My siblings, my dad and mom, my associates actually assist me get by the toughest instances,” he advised the NBA in 2024. Bronny’s cardiac arrest in July 2023 shocked the sports activities world, however for Bryce James, it was private. Given their bond, the tragedy involving LeBron James’ oldest son shook Bryce deeply.

Following Bronny’s well being scare, Bryce took to social media to indicate assist for his huge brother. He shared a photograph of him and Bronny on his Instagram tales and added a crimson coronary heart over it (by way of New York Submit). The image confirmed the 2 with their backs to the digital camera as they checked out a telephone display screen collectively, capturing an intimate second between the brothers. Bronny was launched from the hospital after a number of days and returned to the court docket a month later.

Bronny (in)famously went on to play alongside his father within the NBA in 2024, a feat Bryce could not be extra pleased with. “It is an incredible feeling simply figuring out that my brother, the journey that he is had, simply got here that removed from the cardiac arrest to all of the difficulties that he is had in his profession in school,” he mentioned in a September 2024 episode of Uninterrupted’s “Prime Class Hoops.” “It is wonderful to see him play together with his dad.”