As Savannah James said, “We going to the ship!!!” LeBron James and his family have had a rather happening week. From confrontations to injuries, the James family has been dealing with a lot over the past few days, but there has been one silver lining–Bryce James. The six-foot-six guard from Sierra Canyon has been balling out with his team and recently won the CIF regional championship as a Trailblazer.
However, the next game was the one that mattered. On Friday, Sierra Canyon met Stockton Lincoln in the Golden 1 Center for the state championship, and it was a nail-biter! The 58-53 victory for the Trailblazers was the result of a defensive masterclass and some high-intent basketball. Not only that, they did it in front of a legendary audience!
LeBron, as always, showed up for his youngest son. The Lakers legend is currently battling through a groin injury, which has sidelined him for a couple of weeks. So during his period of rest, he decided to check out his son’s game. Bryce James, however, couldn’t seem to catch his rhythm.
Even with all of his physical tools, the high school senior only managed to put up 3 points, mirroring his performance against Redondo Union. While a slump in form is normal, the youngest James hasn’t been able to be an effective scorer recently. After the game, the entire team sat down for a media interview. During which, Bryce addressed his shooting issues and shared a piece of advise his dad gave him. “My dad on the sideline, he always coaching me up, telling me what to do. Even if how tonight was, I wasn’t making shots, but he just told me keep shooting. And that just means he has confidence in me.”
However, social media wasn’t exactly in Bryce’s favor. His lackluster performance followed by intensive media attention rubbed quite a few people in the wrong way. But what are fans saying about the Sierra Canyon guard?
Fans react to Bryce James’ post-win interview
Being LeBron’s son means you’re held to a high level of scrutiny. When your dad has achieved nearly everything on the basketball court, people look at you differently. That was the case with Bronny, and that is the case with Bryce as well. So after having a disappointing performance, social media wasn’t exactly forgiving with the young celebrity.
Bryce James was called out for giving an interview as one of the lowest point getters in the entire game. “Bryce scored 3 points. Why is he being interviewed?” One fan asked on X, with many others agreeing with his sentiment. Another user piped up, “3 points is crazy give the mic to the hoopers that won them the game.”
Bryce scored 3 points. Why is he being interviewed?
— Mr. RedDey (@UDCincyFan) March 15, 2025
The banter that Bryce shared with a reporter about having bragging rights over Bronny also didn’t sit right with a few supporters. “James being up there talking to the press like he actually did something tonight is kinda wild.” One fan tweeted, dragging down the high school senior.
Bryce James put up three points, five rebounds, and two assists against Stockton Lincoln, and fans weren’t letting him live it down. A fan took to X asking why the media is taking the kid seriously. “He had 3 points what are we talkin bout.” While another brought up his performance, or lack thereof, in the regional championship as well. “He had 3 pts the game before too.”
To them, it’s a pattern that fuels a bigger debate: Bryce James is in the spotlight due to his father’s privilege, not his performance on the court. A three-star recruit committed to the University of Arizona, Bryce has shown flashes of potential, but his state final stat line reflects more of a supporting role than a star performance.
The past few weeks have been challenging for the James family, and dealing with all of this has proven to be more than they anticipated. However, just as Bronny gradually silenced his critics with his performances, Bryce will likely do the same. Until then, though, he’ll have to contend with the critics.
Regardless of what people say to him, it’s all white noise for the young Arizona commit. He’s progressing in the right direction, and there’s plenty of room to grow! Bronny got plenty of hate in high school, and honestly? So did their dad. It will be interesting to see how he develops his game in college, and what team he eventually ends up on in the NBA.
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