“Crazier Nepotism Story Than Bronny James”: Podcaster Raises Blunt Questions Over Bryce James’ Limited Playing Time at Arizona

LeBron James‘ younger son, Bryce James, made his first college start in the Arizona Wildcats’ 84-75 loss to the UCLA Bruins on Monday. James started the game and played for a total of six minutes, finishing his college debut with one assist.

Mick, the host of the “Mick Talks Hoops Show,” questioned James starting the game and his limited playing time on X.

“This is somehow the crazier nepotism story than Bronny being in the league for 3 years. They’re literally giving him token starts, playing less than 5 minutes a game, while the other team legit doesn’t guard him,” he wrote.

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70% Win

(110-25-1)

70% Win

(110-25-1)

70% Win

(110-25-1)

Mick’s question was a direct shot at the Arizona Wildcats’ coaching staff, accusing them of giving James a starting spot because of his last name. The Wildcats have not yet cleared the podcast host’s doubts.

James announced his decision to play for the Wildcats in January 2025, but redshirted his first season. He averaged eight points and four rebounds in his senior year at Sierra Canyon High School and helped them win the CIF State Division 1 championship in 2025.

“LeBron is forcing them”: Jason Whitlock blasts Bryce James’ first Arizona start

Jason Whitlock went off on the Wildcats in a video on Instagram following their loss to the Bruins. He criticized Arizona for starting Bryce James and playing him for only a few minutes.

“Bryce James is a make-a-swish kid,” he said. “Arizona, the number 5 team country last night, gave Bryce James, LeBron’s youngest son, three minutes at the beginning of the first half and three minutes at the beginning of the second half, and that’s it.”

“He’s a make-a-swish kid, has no business on the Arizona basketball team, and LeBron is forcing them to give him token starts.”

There was not much to appreciate about James’ performance. Apart from the one assist, he shot 0-for-3 from the field and 0-for-2 from the 3-point range, contributing little to the Wildcats’ chances of winning during the game.

James will get a chance to show his game again on Thursday when the Wildcats host the Cal Poly Mustangs.

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Edited by Avi Shravan