Bryce James and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)
LeBron James has already made NBA history by becoming the first player to share the court with his son, Bronny James, during the 2024–25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The duo’s chemistry has drawn plenty of headlines — including moments like when a LeBron James teammate hilariously claimed Bronny has a better golf swing than him, reminding fans that father and son share more than just court time.

Now, attention is shifting to his younger son, Bryce James, and whether the NBA legend could extend his career long enough to play alongside him. With LeBron continuing to balance competitiveness and long-term plans amid speculation about his future, some reports have highlighted his retirement dilemma as the Lakers prepare for possible roster changes around Luka Dončić.

Bryce, currently committed to play college basketball at Arizona, is only beginning his basketball journey, while LeBron is entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40. The question remains: could father and younger son actually become teammates in the NBA, or is this scenario unlikely? Let’s break down the timeline, rules, and realities.

When Would Bryce James Be Eligible To Enter The NBA?

LeBron James, Bronny, and Bryce (Photo by Getty Images)
Bryce James, standing about 6’4”, committed to the University of Arizona in early 2025. Scouts currently view him as a three-star recruit with potential as a shooter and perimeter defender, though he is not yet considered a top-tier NBA prospect.

NCAA rules mean he’ll need at least one season of college basketball before declaring for the draft.
This places his earliest NBA Draft eligibility in 2026, when LeBron would be 41–42 years old.

How Long Could LeBron James Realistically Keep Playing?

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

LeBron is still defying age. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, proving he remains one of the NBA’s elite even at age 40. He also opted into a $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season with the Lakers.

But by the time Bryce is draft-eligible, LeBron would be at least 42 years old. Only a handful of NBA players (e.g., Vince Carter, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis) have played past 42, and none at the superstar level LeBron maintains.

Has LeBron James Said He Wants To Play With Bryce?

Bryce James and LeBron James (Photo by Getty Images)
Interestingly, LeBron himself has tempered expectations. While he previously stated his dream was to play with at least one of his sons, he recently clarified:

“I’m not waiting around for Bryce. If it happens, it happens. If not, I’ll be happy to just watch him grow.” – LeBron James, via Reuters (Sept. 2025)

Bryce also admitted that he doesn’t expect it to happen, telling reporters it might be “too much” since his dad would already be around 42.

What Would Need To Happen For Father And Son To Become Teammates?

Bryce James and LeBron James (Photo by Getty Images)
For LeBron and Bryce James to share the court, several unlikely conditions must line up:

Bryce must develop quickly — becoming NBA-ready by 2026, or at most 2027.
LeBron must extend his career beyond his current contract and remain healthy enough to contribute at 42+.
A team must draft Bryce and either already have LeBron or be willing to sign him on a short deal to create the pairing.
Both must accept their roles — Bryce as a rookie with limited minutes, and LeBron possibly in a reduced role.

Conclusion

So, could LeBron James realistically team up with Bryce James in the NBA someday?

Yes, it’s possible — but unlikely. Bryce won’t be NBA-eligible until 2026, by which time LeBron would be 42.
LeBron has said he will not delay retirement just for the sake of it.
Bryce himself doesn’t expect it to happen, though he’s focused on carving his own path.