48 Hours After Kevin Durant’s 1-Word Reaction, Bryce James Gets Brutally Honest About Fellow Arizonan

He’s finally made his decision! Months after LeBron James and Bronny became the first father-son duo to share the NBA court, Bryce James has announced where he’s heading next. On New Year’s Day, Bryce, the younger son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, revealed his college plans via Instagram. His post, boldly captioned “100% Committed,” sent shockwaves through the basketball world, racking up over 250,000 likes in just an hour.

Amid the flood of congratulations, one comment stood out. Who could it be?

None other than Phoenix Suns icon Kevin Durant chimed in with a simple yet powerful “Yesssir.” Durant’s comment quickly garnered over 2,000 likes, adding fuel to the excitement. As a fellow Arizonan by association, his acknowledgment resonated with fans, but Bryce’s admiration for KD didn’t stop there.

A few days later, the younger James shared his thoughts about KD, saying, “For me personally, KD is just one of the greatest scorers. I have my KD; he’s just that good, man.” That’s high praise from a teenager with basketball royalty running through his veins.

It’s no surprise Bryce holds Durant in such high regard. Durant’s resume is nothing short of legendary with two NBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, two league MVPs, and two Finals MVPs under his belt. Even after 17 years in the league, his averages of 27.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season solidify his place among the all-time greats.

For Bryce James, KD is more than a player—he’s a role model. But, he isn’t the only one.

Facing criticism, Bryce James finds unshakable support from legends

Of course, Bryce’s list of favorites wouldn’t be complete without his dad, LeBron James. The proud father wasted no time celebrating Bryce’s big decision, sharing a photo of his son in Arizona’s colors with the caption: “AYYYYEEEEEEE. SO 🔥🔥🔥 @_justbryce 🙌🏾. Let’s GOOOOOOOOO #JamesGang👑.”

But while Bryce has the support of basketball royalty, he’s also faced criticism. Despite a thorough evaluation of multiple Pac-12 programs, some have labeled his recruitment as nepotism. Critics often point to his underwhelming performance at last summer’s Peach Jam tournament.

It was where he averaged 5.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shot just 18% from three-point range over five games.

Jeff Goodman, an Arizona alumnus and basketball analyst, didn’t mince words. “I was shocked,” Goodman said in an appearance on the Field of 68 After Dark podcast, referring to Arizona’s decision to recruit Bryce. “He’s just kinda nondescript. 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.”

Bryce isn’t the first James to face scrutiny. His older brother, Bronny, endured similar criticism but has silenced doubters with stellar G League performances, averaging 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.

Bryce seems poised to follow a similar path, letting his work ethic and growth on the court speak for themselves. Joining Arizona—a program with a national championship and multiple Final Four appearances—offers Bryce a prime opportunity to develop his game. With Kevin Durant and LeBron James in his corner, he’ll aim to create his own legacy while embracing the Wildcats’ storied tradition.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but if Bryce James has proven anything, it’s that he thrives under pressure. The next chapter in his basketball journey is about to begin, and all eyes will be on him as he takes the court for the Wildcats.