Bryce James is putting in the work, and he’s not doing it alone. As the son of LeBron James and younger brother of Bronny, expectations follow him everywhere he goes. But with his move to the University of Arizona approaching, Bryce is turning to one of the most experienced coaches in the game — a familiar face in the James family’s basketball story.
And the coach he’s training with has more than just NBA ties. He’s got championship rings to prove his worth.
Bryce James Trains With 3-Time NBA Champion Coach Before College Debut
In a recent Instagram post, 17-year-old Bryce was seen in the gym with Phil Handy, a highly respected former NBA assistant coach. Handy, who worked with King James during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers, is no stranger to elite-level basketball. His résumé includes six straight NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2020 and three championships with three different teams.
The post, shared by Handy himself on May 9, showed Bryce putting in offseason work alongside Tajh Ariza, another basketball prodigy and son of former NBA player Trevor Ariza.
Handy is widely recognized for his role in player development, especially with guards and wings — the exact role Bryce plays. He’s helped shape talents like Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and, yes, James Sr. himself.
With Bryce now committed to play for the Arizona Wildcats, this training session feels more than just a summer workout. It’s a serious step toward preparing for high-level college basketball. The younger James may not yet have Bronny’s spotlight or his father’s aura, but working with someone of Handy’s caliber shows he’s serious about crafting his own path.
Bryce Prepares for Arizona Move as LeBron James Shares His Feelings
Bryce, a 6’4″ three-star shooting guard, will officially head to Arizona toward the end of summer. He’s fresh off winning a state title with Sierra Canyon and played a key role as a 3-and-D wing. James isn’t the loudest star, but he’s steadily carving out a place of his own.
Arizona has big plans, too. After a Sweet 16 run this year, the Wildcats are set to reload with 2025 top recruits Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, now joined by the younger James. It’s a solid foundation for another tournament push.
As James gets ready for Tucson, his dad is bracing for a big shift at home. LeBron opened up about his son’s departure on the “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash.
“My youngest son is headed off to college soon, so that’s another bird out the nest,” James said. “Another emotional moment coming up with Bryce going off to Tucson to be an Arizona Wildcat.”
All of this unfolds as the elder James faces some big decisions. After a first-round playoff exit with the Lakers this season, speculation is swirling about his NBA future. As Bryce moves into the next phase of his career, his father could be contemplating his final chapter.
But one thing’s clear: basketball remains a family business, and Bryce is getting ready the right way.
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