As we’ve all seen by now, LeBron and Bronny James made history, They’re the first father and son duo to play in a regular season NBA game. Emanating from Los Angeles, with Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. in attendance, we knew it had to happen. LeBron and Bronny got their moment before halftime, which was a shocker to me. But it was cool to witness, even knowing that the on-court chemistry between the two may still need work. There were some opportunities for a father/son assist to score, but shots were missed. Bronny played barely three minutes and was visibly gassed. NBA speed is just a different kind of beast. Then and still, it seems that many in the sports media sphere have been unfairly critical of this feel-good story.
There seems to be a sense of disdain that this moment during a game was ever a thing. Michelle Beadle said in so many words that this moment seemed to be contrived. Other pundits believe that Bronny needs more time to develop his skillset. In that respect, I agree. But no rules were broken for Bronny to play. He is a second-round draft pick with an opportunity to grow his game. It just so happens that he has the unique opportunity to play with his dad. A man who is still near the top of his game. That scenario can only work out to his benefit if his desire is strong enough.
If you ask me, I feel like some in the media just took things too far in regards to criticizing the coverage of the father and son moment. For us as Black people, I feel like they’re missing the point. In a macro sense, this is a moment to be celebrated. LeBron has been one of the most successful Black men in the world without being involved in much hullabaloo. It’s to be revered and commended. When we see Bronny play with him, it’s a tangible manifestation of all that he set out to do when Bronny first picked up a basketball.
Of all the things we could be critical of in this world, why be critical of a lovely bond between two Black men? A father who shows affection for his son, and is there in as many ways as his life would allow. That’s what last week’s moment meant. Too often, the nuance and weight of that was disregarded. That could be because of the need sometimes for media to be contrarian and find a different angle. But in this instance, I just find it unnecessary.
The beauty in all of this is that this was the first of many moments between the two. Once Bronny can get his legs under him, I believe that he will be back, and we can be dazzled by the all-oops and kick-out threes between him and his Hall of Fame father. With the Lakers off to a hell of a start to the season, this could be one of many positive storylines for the purple and gold. But let’s not lose the context of the beauty of this happening. This is a prominent black family, showing love, solidarity and mentorship. There’s nothing to be critical of there.
