X account @BrianCaldNBA wrote on the platform, claiming that Bryce James, who is LeBron James’ youngest son, had declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. The post also claimed that the Los Angeles Lakers were showing what it described as “significant” interest in the Arizona Wildcats guard.
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 2 million views. However, despite the post’s virality, the claims are false, and the entire story is fabricated, with no official reports of Bryce’s declaration regarding the upcoming draft.
“BREAKING: Bryce James has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, with the Los Angeles Lakers showing significant interest,” the post read.
The post drew comparisons to Bronny James, whom the Lakers drafted in the second round in 2024. In fact, Bryce James redshirted his freshman season with the Wildcats, with coach Tommy Lloyd announcing the decision in February.
“The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds,” Lloyd said. “I have a real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing.”
LeBron James on possibility of postponing retirement to play with Bryce James
While Bronny James got to share the court with his father, LeBron, there is no guarantee that Bryce James will get the same chance. Speaking to the media in September, the 41-year-old addressed the possibility of playing with both his sons.
“I’m not waiting on Bryce,” James said. “I don’t know what his timeline is. He’s his own young man now. He’s down in Tucson. We’ll see what happens this year, next year. He has his own timeline, I’ve got my timeline, and I don’t know if they quite match up. We’ll see.”
James finished a record 23rd season with the Lakers in 2025-26. He played 60 games, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, shooting 51.5%, including 31.7% from 3-point range.
He will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and it remains unclear whether LeBron James will return for another season or head for retirement.
