LeBron James' Son Meets Former Lakers Coach Before Life-Changing Move
On Friday, Bryce James, son of LeBron James and younger brother of Bronny James, was featured in a social media post during a workout with Phil Handy, a former NBA assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bryce James, 17, will play with the Arizona Wildcats this year after committing to the powerhouse college basketball program in January.
Handy has a stellar coaching reputation. He made six consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 to 2020, four with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2015-2018), once with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and lastly with the Lakers in 2020. He won three championships (2016, 2019, and 2020).
Alongside James in the social media post is Tajh Ariza, a 2026 recruit and son of former NBA player Trevor Ariza.
According to 247Sports, the younger Ariza is the No. 4 recruit in his class.
James was ranked No. 258 in 247Sports' 2025 composite rankings. In a scouting report from Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports, he described James as "a fundamentally sound player with solid perimeter size and a good early skill-set."
James will move to Arizona toward the end of summer to begin his collegiate career with the Wildcats.
Arizona is figured to be in the mix next season, slotting at No. 14 in FOX Sports' way-too-early college basketball rankings. The Wildcats were also ranked at No. 22 by On3.
Bryce James, the youngest son of LeBron James, at Ohio Stadium.© Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Arizona made it to the Sweet 16 in this year's NCAA Tournament but lost to the Duke Blue Devils, 100-93.
The team is expected to bounce right back with big-time 2025 recruits in Brayden Burries and Koa Peat.
Burries was the No. 9 recruit in 247Sports' 2025 rankings, and Peat wasn't far behind at No. 11. Both prospects are already projected to be first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Related: Carmelo Anthony Doesn't Hold Back on LeBron James Rivalry
Related: Former Celtics Teammate Had Words After Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown's Poor Performances
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