LeBron James risks terrible mistake with Bryce James NBA contract decision

LeBron James is heading toward a repeat of a path that may not be worth taking again.

The NBA all-time great has one son in the NBA, Bronny, who spent one year at USC before being the No. 55 pick in last year's NBA Draft.

James had always suggested he wanted to stick around in the league to potentially play with Bronny, and he did with the Lakers, who almost certainly only drafted him because he was LeBron's son.

If LeBron is feeling bold, he could run this move back next year.

Bryce James, his younger son, is heading to Arizona and will be draft eligible in 2026.

NBA insider Shams Charania recently suggested that LeBron could stick around to be in the league when Bryce arrives, too.

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There's just one problem. Maybe even more than Bronny, Bryce looks like he'll be nowhere near NBA-ready. His talent level at Sierra Canyon in high school might never have him anywhere near the NBA.

College basketball insider Jeff Goodman posted on social media Friday night echoing the only right thoughts on this matter:

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If Bryce gets to the NBA on his own merits in due time, that's great.

And no one can blame LeBron for wanting to put his kids in the best possible situation.

But for LeBron to stick around for his age-42 season just to get whatever team he is on to dedicate a roster spot to a player who almost certainly won't be close to league-ready may be a step too far.

It's not good for Bryce, or LeBron's team, or for the NBA.

Sure, it'll generate clicks and ratings, but that isn't what should drive LeBron's decision.

Bronny may still make himself a long-lasting NBA career. His freshman season of college was disrupted by a scary heart issue, which was resolved but limited his play with the Trojans to begin with.

From a skill-development standpoint, Bronny almost certainly would've benefited from more time in college playing against guys his age.

Bryce will need that same opportunity, maybe more so. 

If LeBron sticks around, wonderful. He shouldn't stick around to play with Bryce ahead of schedule, though.

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