LeBron James, who is an expert on the basketball court, is honing his coaching skills during the NBA summer.
A game on the Nike EYBL circuit starring his 16-year-old son Bryce, who plays for a team named Strive For Greatness and is coached by James and former teammate Rajon Rondo, saw the four-time NBA champion seen on camera providing instructions from the sidelines.
They were playing at Peach Jam, the Nike EYBL spring and summer league championship competition, which was hosted in Augusta, Georgia, against New Heights Lightning. One of the best high school basketball competitions in the United States, it features teams led by players like Bradley Beal, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul.
When his team overcame a 10-point deficit to force OT, a fervent James was seen fist-pumping from the sidelines, happy for his squad. James led Strive for Greatness to victory, and Brayden Burries finished with 27 points. As of right now, the team’s record in the competition is two victories and one loss.
They defeated the Expressions 78-69 in the first game, and then on Wednesday, they fell short against the Florida Rebels 72-67 before defeating the Lightning in overtime.
The 16-year-old Bryce, who is the latest James to focus on a basketball career, is reportedly planning to move from Sierra Canyon to play at Campbell Hall after earning his first Division I offer from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. One of the top prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft is Bronny James, who will play for USC in the upcoming season.
Alongside Bryce will be several other well-known athlete kids, like comedian Bill Bellamy’s son Baron and former NBA player Richard Hamilton II’s son Richard Hamilton. David Grace, the head coach at Campbell Hall, is thrilled about the chance to assist Bryce in honing his basketball abilities.
“If I get the chance to coach him, I want Bryce to be Bryce,” Grace stated to ESPN. “Because that’s unique, and I want him to develop and make the most of his time at Campbell Hall. I’ll try to help, but there’s going to be a lot more than just me for him. To some extent, I can see where he’s coming from. I am not him.
Strive for Greatness defeated New Heights Lightning in the Peach Jam tournament
“My family wasn’t in that spotlight, but I’ve been around the spotlight and I can share my experiences, or I can just understand his experiences. That’s where I’ll grow as a coach.”
Byrce’s elder brother Bronny James, opted to play for the University of Southern California (USC) and has decided to wear No.6, the same number as his father.
James will be hoping the No. 6 serves him well, and he may declare for next year’s NBA Draft. After four years at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, James committed to stay near his family and play for USC.
“One of the best days of my life,” LeBron said after his son confirmed his place at USC for the upcoming campaign. “He’s the first one to go to college in my family. No matter the outcome of this game, I couldn’t lose today.”