Bryce James Puts an End to His Desire, Hints That LeBron Will Not Honor $162 Million Lakers Contract

Just as most people predicted, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Bronny James with their 55 pick in Thursday’s draft. With Bronny finally realizing his lifelong dream of becoming an NBA player, his father LeBron James has also fulfilled his ultimate wish of teaming up with his son at the pro level. But while the James gang is still busy celebrating this historic moment, many have started drawing up another scenario. It includes LeBron’s younger son, Bryce, following in his brother’s footsteps and teaming up with King James in the future. However, Bryce does not see it happening for one reason, despite LeBron’s pending $162 million decision.

The 17-year-old Bryce still has a minimum of two years left before he can be eligible to enter his name in the draft. After graduating High School next year, Bryce will have to spend at least one year in college, which sets his timeline of becoming an NBA player at the start of the 2026-27 season. By that time, LeBron, who is 39 right now, might decide to hang up his boots. So, when Bryce was asked if there was any chance his father could stay active until then to see him getting drafted to the league, he scoffed at that idea, “Nah… he’s gonna be 42, bruh.”

However, LeBron has the opportunity to make it happen as he is eligible to sign a three-year $162 million extension with the Lakers this summer after denying his $51.4 million player option. With that move, James will be committed to staying an active part of the roster at least for the next three seasons, long enough for Bryce to enter the league. While LeBron is yet to ink a deal with the Lakers, Bryce’s comment suggests that he might not sign the massive extension and consider retiring sooner than expected.

Can LeBron James create history again?

Once the next season begins, LeBron will join Vince Carter as the only two players in league history to play for 22 years. But even for a player like LeBron, who has somehow defied father time and is still an All-NBA player at this age, keeping this up for three more years is a very challenging task. However, in a 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated, LeBron did see playing with both his sons as a possibility, “I feel like I could play for quite a while. So, it’s all up to my body, but more importantly, my mind. If my mind can stay sharp and fresh and motivated, then the sky’s not even a limit for me. I can go beyond that. But we shall see.”

Even this season, he averaged 25.7 points, which shows that he might have a lot of good years left before his performance starts declining. Moreover, several players, including Vince Carter, Udonis Haslem, and Dikembe Mutombo, were active in the league at the age of 42 and beyond, and they were playing nowhere close to the level LeBron is playing at this stage. With that in mind, there is still hope of LeBron defying all odds and adding at least three more years to his legendary career. So, even though Bryce doesn’t believe it will happen, we might see a 42-year-old LeBron running up and down the court with Bronny and Bryce in the NBA, adding more glory to his already amazing career.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.