When the basketball world looks at Bryce James, they can’t help but compare him to his older brother, Bronny, and their father, LeBron James. But does Bryce, with all the weight of those legacies, have what it takes to carve his own path? As Arizona has found itself betting on the younger James, the stakes have grown higher — and so have the doubts.

In a recent episode of the Field of 68 After Dark podcast, Jeff Goodman, an Arizona alum and basketball analyst, shared his concerns after watching Bryce’s performances over the years. “Well, listen, I was shocked. I’m an Arizona grad, number one. I’ve seen Bryce James play plenty, plenty over the last few years on the circuit,” Goodman said. His commentary is a direct reflection of the scrutiny Bryce is under.

After attending several of his games, including the Peach Jam this past summer, Goodman didn’t sugarcoat the assessment. “Here were his stats, guys. And again, he’s 6’6″. He is LeBron’s younger son. Plays for Sierra Canyon. He averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in six— in five Peach Jam games earlier this summer in July.” Goodman added that Bryce’s shooting was a major concern: “Was 3 for 17 from three.”

His overall EYBL performance was equally unimpressive, averaging just 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. “He’s just kinda nondescript,” Goodman stated bluntly. This critique underlines the challenge of being compared to a brother who quickly became a high school sensation. While comparisons to Bronny are inevitable, they create unnecessary expectations for Bryce.

Bryce’s steady ascent: Bearing the weight of the James name

Bronny, who spent his high school years at Sierra Canyon, made a mark early, earning MVP honors in a game against St. Vincent-St. Mary, the same high school his father attended. By his senior year, Bronny’s stats were solid, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 steals. This meteoric rise culminated in his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would finally share a court with LeBron. Bryce, however, has had a more gradual path.

After a stint at Sierra Canyon, Bryce transferred to Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks, then returned to Sierra Canyon. His high school stats have been a mixed bag, with his standout performance being a 21-point, six-rebound game against NightRydas Elite. His physicality and defensive play also stand out, evident from his solid six-point, three-assist, two-steal performance against Moorpark High. His three-point shooting is respectable, with a 36.8% average, but it’s clear that his development is still in its early stages.

The situation surrounding Bryce’s commitment to Arizona adds another layer of complexity. His arrival there isn’t just about basketball—it’s also about connections. “But I think one of the key reasons here that he ended up at Arizona and Arizona takes him is because Rich Paul, who represents him, obviously Rich Paul’s LeBron’s buddy for clutch,” Goodman explained. It’s also worth noting that LeBron isn’t pressuring Bryce to be a one-and-done player, unlike the expectations he faced early in his career.

Goodman also stated that, in fact, Bryce might be fine with the plan to redshirt and take things slowly. He explained that for Arizona, this could serve as a strategic move, allowing them to gradually integrate Bryce into their system while focusing on the long-term goal.

Bryce’s journey is far from finished, but the pressure of living up to his father’s legacy and his brother’s accomplishments remains a heavy burden. As he takes the court for Arizona, the world will be watching to see if he can carve out his own path—one distinct from his family, yet equally as impactful.