This was not the start LeBron James was hoping for in his younger son, Bryce James’s, college basketball career. After committing to the Arizona Wildcats in January, the freshman guard has not played a single minute, and head coach Tommy Lloyd is now hinting that a redshirt season could be a real possibility.
Why Is Arizona Considering a Redshirt Year for Bryce James?
It has been a perfect start to the 2025-26 season for Lloyd’s Wildcats, who are undefeated at 3-0 after wins against Florida, Utah Tech, and Northern Arizona. While other freshmen, including Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, have adjusted well to the team, the former Sierra Canyon guard has yet to play in a game.
The speculation grew when James still did not step on the floor even as the Wildcats were leading Northern Arizona 46-17 in the first half, a situation that prompted the head coach to confirm rumors about a potential redshirt.
Tommy Lloyd has had “multiple conversations” with Bryce James about a possible redshirt year.
James has not had any playing time so far. pic.twitter.com/86QlsWfkaK
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) November 12, 2025
Following the news, basketball fans shared mixed reactions online. One fan compared the situation to that of his older brother, Bronny James, who missed four months at USC in 2023 due to a cardiac arrest, commenting, “Your collegiate is short…this is similar to Bronny-the young man should either except the RED shirt or move to a different program but I think we all know how this is going to end.”
Your collegiate is short…this is similar to Bronny-the young man should either except the RED shirt or move to a different program but I think we all know how this is going to end
— Steve Mcbeth🇨🇦 (@Smacc1313) November 12, 2025
Other fans joked about the power his father wields in the league. “He’ll redshirt and his daddy will get him drafted,” one wrote.
He’ll redshirt and his daddy will get him drafted
— Ⱨ₳ⱤĐ₩ØØĐ ⱠɆ₲Ɇ₦Đ (@Buck3tzzz) November 12, 2025
Another commented, “Why would he redshirt when he can get garbage minutes LeBron can just force a team to draft him like he did with Bronny???” A third fan added, “He’ll be on the Laker bench next year.”
He’ll be on the Laker bench next year
— PatricioBee Watchin or Nah? (@patricioblou) November 12, 2025
Meanwhile, an Instagram video posted by ‘Genius Takes’ claimed that the 18-year-old went to the “wrong school.” The video showed James getting ready on the sidelines, with the cameras zooming in on him multiple times. However, Richard Jefferson, a friend of the Lakers’ star and a former NBA player, dismissed that take. He commented on the post, “You have no idea what you’re talking about 🤝🏽.”
For his part, Lloyd explained his reasoning for considering the redshirt, emphasizing it comes from a place of support. “The reason I say that is because I believe in Bryce,” Lloyd told a panel of ESPN hosts at “Big 12 Media Days.” “And if you didn’t believe in somebody, why would you spend extra resources on them or extra time?”
It remains to be seen if James will be redshirted or finally step on the court to make his official debut for the Wildcats.