Kiyan Anthony isn’t just carrying his father’s name—he’s carving out his own legacy on the hardwood. With every sharp jumper and clutch moment, the Long Island Lutheran standout proves he’s built for the spotlight. But what’s catching attention isn’t just his talent—it’s the brewing rivalry with Bryce James, son of LeBron James. Their on-court battles have drawn crowds, and even Carmelo Anthony can’t help but embrace the hype.

In a recent interview, Melo reflected on one of Kiyan’s biggest moments: facing off against Bryce in the UYBL circuit. “Probably playing against Strife for Greatness, against Bryce,” he said, recalling the electric atmosphere of the matchup. “I think at that time he was ready for the moment.” That moment wasn’t just another AAU game—it was a sign that Kiyan was ready for the big stage.

The high school basketball scene has been buzzing with their performances. On January 19, Kiyan dropped 17 points to lead Long Island Lutheran to a 63-57 win over AZ Compass Prep, earning Hoophall MVP honors in the process. That same weekend, Bryce James put up a career-high 16 points, knocking down four straight threes and throwing down a dunk in Sierra Canyon’s win over Grayson. Bryce was named MVP of his game, proving he can shine against top talent like Caleb Holt.

This is the next generation of hoopers carrying forward a legacy, and the Melo-Bron dynamic only fuels the excitement.

Carmelo Anthony’s endorsement of his son extends beyond their rivalry. Kiyan, a top-40 recruit in the class of 2025, recently committed to Syracuse, following in his father’s footsteps. Announcing his decision on Carmelo’s “7PM in Brooklyn” show, he chose the Orange over USC and Auburn. “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name,” Kiyan told ESPN. His commitment strengthens Syracuse’s recruiting class, joining top talents like five-star forward Sadiq White.

Kiyan has shown he can put up numbers on the EYBL circuit. He averaged 19.6 points in the spring and bumped that up to 21.8 at Nike Peach Jam. He even went off for 40 against Mac Irvin Fire. His high school coach, John Buck, gave him credit for his work ethic and growth in defense, saying he’s becoming more than just a scorer.

Bryce vs. Kiyan: The next-gen showdown heats up

Bryce James is stepping into the spotlight, and he’s got his sights set on the next big challenge—Kiyan. For years, Bronny James was the name that drew all the attention of the James family. But now, it’s Bryce’s turn to make noise. At 6’4” with a smooth shooting stroke and growing confidence, he’s proving he’s not just LeBron’s youngest son—he’s a legit talent in his own right. And with top prospects like Kiyan Anthony making waves, Bryce has the perfect competition to test himself against.

The Bryce vs. Kiyan matchup is one fans can’t get enough of. Kiyan’s got that smooth scoring touch and a polished offensive game, while Bryce is showing off a well-rounded skill set and growing confidence that makes him a real problem on the court. They’ve got different styles, but the weight of their last names only adds to the hype whenever they face off.

But Bryce isn’t out here just chasing highlights or rankings. He’s locked in, putting in the work every day, sharpening his game, and proving he belongs in the conversation. LeBron has made it clear he wants his kids to develop at their own pace, and Bryce is all in on that mindset. He’s taking his time, learning, improving, and making the most of every chance he gets.

LeBron James has expressed nothing but pride in Bryce’s development, praising his dedication and growth. Whether it’s attending games, offering advice, or simply being there to support, LeBron has made it clear he believes in Bryce’s potential. Whether it’s attending games, offering advice, or simply being there to support, LeBron has made it clear he believes in Bryce’s potential. Much like Carmelo Anthony watching Kiyan shine, LeBron is enjoying the ride as a proud father, soaking in every moment from the sidelines.