LeBron James is a master on the basketball court and he is using his NBA offseason to develop on the other side of the line as a coach.
The four-time NBA champion was filmed giving out instructions from the sidelines at a game on the Nike EYBL circuit featuring his 16-year-old son Bryce who plays a team called Strive For Greatness and they happen to be coached by James and former teammate Rajon Rondo.
They were competing against New Heights Lightning at Peach Jam, the championship tournament for Nike EYBL spring and summer league held in Augusta, Georgia. The event is one of the top high school basketball tournaments in the US, and the likes of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and Bradley Beal also have teams in the tournament.
A passionate James was delighted for his team as he was captured fist-pumping from the sidelines when his team recovered from a 10-point deficit to force overtime. Brayden Burries finished with 27 points as James coached Strive for Greatness to victory. The team currently has a record of two wins and a loss in the tournament.
They claimed the opening game on Monday, beating the Expressions, 78-69, and then lost the second game to the Florida Rebels, 72-67 on Wednesday before beating the Lightning in overtime.
16-year-old Bryce is reportedly set to transfer from Sierra Canyon to play at Campbell Hall after receiving his first Division I offer from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, becoming the latest James to set his sights on a basketball career. Bronny James will be playing for USC next season and is widely regarded to be a top target for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Bryce is set to play alongside some other sons of famous players, such as Richard Hamilton II, the son of former NBA star Richard Hamilton, and Baron Bellamy, the son of comedian Bill Bellamy. Campbell Hall’s head coach is David Grace and he is excited about having an opportunity to help Bryce develop his basketball skills.
"I want Bryce, if I get to coach him, to be Bryce," Grace told ESPN. "Because that's special, and I want him to get the most out of his experience here at Campbell Hall and grow. He's going to have way more than just me helping, but I'm going to try to do my part. I understand where he's coming from to a point. I'm not him.
“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."
