As LeBron recovers from a knee injury and playoff loss, he reflects on sending his youngest son Bryce off to college — and the emotional weight that comes with it.
LeBron James has faced injuries, playoff exits, and relentless pressure throughout his 22-year NBA career — but this offseason brings a different kind of challenge.
After the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by the Timberwolves and LeBron was diagnosed with a sprained MCL, the four-time champion is now focused on healing both physically and emotionally. And part of that emotional reset includes watching his son, Bryce James, leave home.
“My youngest son is headed off to college soon, so you know that’s another bird out the nest,” LeBron said on the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash.
“A very emotional moment coming up for Bryce going off to Tucson to be an Arizona Wildcat.”
A Family Milestone Off the Court
While LeBron continues his four-to-six-week rehab from the first knee injury of his career, he’s also navigating one of the biggest milestones any parent faces: sending a child off to college.
In his own words, it’s “another bird out the nest.” It’s a personal milestone for LeBron that carries just as much emotional weight as his injury recovery.
This offseason, LeBron isn’t just stepping back from basketball. He’s spending time with his family, staying close to his daughter Zhuri, who’s now into volleyball, and watching both Bronny and Bryce take major steps in their own athletic journeys.
A Championship Send-Off for Bryce
As LeBron reflects on family, health, and the future, his son Bryce James is closing his high school chapter on a high note.
Earlier this spring, Bryce helped Sierra Canyon School win the CIF State Division I basketball championship, contributing key minutes in a 58–53 victory over Lincoln High School. Though he scored just three points, he added five rebounds and two assists in a gritty team effort — one that capped his high school career with a title.
LeBron was courtside for the moment, visibly proud as he embraced his son postgame. For a father already preparing to send his child off to college, it was the kind of memory that holds more weight than any box score.
Bryce is now headed to the University of Arizona, where he’s set to continue his journey as an Arizona Wildcat — and for LeBron, that’s a transition filled with pride, emotion, and perspective.
Recovery and Reflection
LeBron revealed the MCL injury happened during a collision with Donte DiVincenzo in Game 5. Though he finished the game, he said his knee locked up immediately and he knew it was serious. Doctors later confirmed the sprain via MRI, and the injury would’ve likely kept him out even if the Lakers advanced.
That gave him unexpected time — not just to rehab, but to reflect.
“I’m just trying to enjoy some time with them right now and figure out what’s next.”
For now, LeBron’s focus is exactly where he says it should be — with family.
