Bronny James: Nepo-Hire
When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers and hosted his own “decision” live show announcing to the world he was “taking his talents to South Beach,” people destroyed him. Said he was self-involved and an egomaniac.
When LeBron left the Miami Heat and returned back home to Cleveland, framing himself as a savior for a Cavs team he left high and dry years prior, people actually welcomed him back with open arms. Especially after he brought Cavs fans their only NBA title since the team's inception in 1970.
But what LeBron has done to start this season with the Los Angeles Lakers is the most unforgivable act he has ever committed. Something so disgusting and frowned upon by most that I don’t know if he can ever come back from it. And that’s…
Nepotism.
After just one season at USC, LeBron’s son Bronny James averaged an abysmal 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He struggled to find time on the court playing for a team that went 15-18 and did not make the NCAA tournament. And when he was on the court he shot just 36.6 percent from the floor and 26.7 percent from 3-point range.
From the free throw line he shot only 67.6 percent.
From the free throw line.
A shot that is literally given the designation that it is “free.”
Not exactly NBA quality, but his last name is James (and his first name is LeBron) so he is destined for the NBA… right? RIGHT?!?
Now he did suffer a cardiac arrest during a USC pre-season practice, was rushed to the hospital, and was later found out to have a congenital heart defect.
So maybe Bronny isn’t an example of nepotism, but more a “Make-A-Wish” program candidate?
As the NBA draft rapidly approached, LeBron Sr. pushed the narrative that the Lakers should draft his son. Some thought he was even holding over the front office’s head that he could possibly sign somewhere else unless they drafted Bronny.
But once the Lakers drafted Bronny in the second round at pick 55, he OF COURSE signed a two-year, $101.35m extension. Exactly one week later.
This is LITERALLY the definition of nepotism.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne actually reported that the Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy (who held the 52nd pick) passed on Bronny in the draft to “respect the wishes” of LeBron… if you believe that.
Sounds like more charity to me.
Ok. So now Bronny has been gifted an opportunity to play in the NBA. He must have excelled in the preseason, a glorified series of practice games.
During the NBA preseason, Bronny struggled in his five games scoring only eight points and going 4-20 shooting (0-7 from 3). He also had five turnovers.
In the Lakers final preseason game, Bronny did find some success against the Golden State Warriors. With all the starters out. In a 132-74 blowout of the Lakers. Scoring 17 points on 7-17 shooting with 4 rebounds-3 steals-1 block.
Certainly not earning time on an NBA court or even a spot on the team.
But again, James is the name and what daddy wants, daddy gets.
Fast forward to opening night of the 2024 NBA season. The Lakers hosted the Timberwolves to a crowd of 18,997. All hoping to witness history.
They witnessed history, all right.
Bronny stepped up to the scorers table to check into the game alongside his dad in the second quarter with four minutes remaining becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together.
The longest photo-op project ever conceived, which began the minute LeBron saw Bronny’s head crown at Akron City Hospital on October 6, 2004.
So much anticipation and news coverage, years in the making, and Bronny came on to the court for three minutes, gathered one rebound, and went 0-2 from the field before heading back to the bench.
The historic moment ended up seeming phony and bland. Like the whole progress felt leading up to it.
Like when your boss's son/daughter started at the office and was paid more than you but was limited to “taking notes,” getting coffee, and scrolling on their iPhone. They might have even started to tell you how to do your job, even though they had no experience other than their last name.
Talking heads around sports did not take it lightly, with some offering interesting thoughts on the LeBron-Bronny moment.
“If this isn't manufactured, then I don't know what the word manufactured means. But, again, I am not impressed, and I thought this was so ridiculous,” said Michelle Beadle on Run It Back.
"It was a moment, I get it. It will have zero impact on the Lakers... It felt like a soft launch for a Kardashian show,” said Colin Cowherd on The Herd.
I personally don’t care whether Bronny is a nepo-hire or not.
He most definitely is.
But we all should hope to one day be in a position like LeBron where we can force our employer to hire our undeserving, unqualified offspring.
After all, that is the REAL American dream.