It is said that experience is the best teacher in life. However, our culture seems to believe that suffering is the only experience worth learning from. Of course, that is not the case. Pain is easier to remember. Still, if we pay attention, we can also learn a lot while experiencing joy.
Opinion columnist
Granderson Landing Station
LZ Granderson writes about culture, politics, sports, and navigating life in America.
For example, on June 27, while basking in the euphoria of hearing his name called in the second round of the NBA draft, Bronny James learned that public scrutiny has no days off. I’m sure he’s been aware of this from watching his father deal with criticism, both fair and unfair, for 20 years. Now he’s learned it for himself in what is probably one of the happiest times of his life.
And in case Bronny wasn’t paying attention last month, that lesson is being taught again during Summer League, as his low-key debut (4 points on 2-of-9 shooting) was followed by an absence in the next game with a slightly swollen knee. Not exactly the kind of start that will silence the naysayers, though one could argue that a teenage second-round pick shouldn’t have any naysayers to begin with. This is the other side of nepotism. The side that isn’t talked about and few think about unless they go through the fire themselves.
The fact that he questions others is the kind of lesson Bronny will learn in team losses as well as celebrations and victories. The fact that he was a local high school kid who was drafted by his hometown team was never going to be talked about over someone with his name. Whether it was the first pick in the draft or the last, people will assume he had an unfair advantage.
The story about how he made history as his father’s teammate was instantly supplanted by criticism that he only got there because of his father. Not just the night the Lakers drafted him. That was said about him in college and similarly questioned in high school. That’s the downside of being LeBron James’ son: all the public benefits of access and the private burden of comparison. And not just comparison to his father, but to all the players drafted after him or not drafted at all.
This reality is compounded by the optimistic chorus that claims that sports are a kind of meritocracy, as if talent were… The reason Colin Kaepernick couldn't find a new job in the NFLDear gentle reader… certainly in a city full of “nepo babies” who are quick to adopt a new name for independence but slow to unlock the benefits that come with the old name, there must be an appreciation for someone who faces criticism head on.
It's not like I have much choice.
Besides, money is just one form of currency. Family connections are another. Some people spend, some people save; either way, you can't take it with you. So maybe LeBron decided to spend a little and use his connections for his son's benefit.
If I were in their place, I would have done the same, and I am not the only one. In fact, in certain industries nepotism has long been the preferred currency.
A 1959 Washington Daily News study found that nearly 100 members of Congress had spouses, children, or other family members on the payroll. Even after a federal anti-nepotism law was passed in response to John F. Kennedy naming his brother Bobby as attorney general, relationships continue to be leveraged to help family members in Washington. President Clinton put his wife, Hillary, in charge of a health care task force, and Donald Trump brought in his daughter and son-in-law. Having an NFL executive of the year as a grandfather certainly helped Sean McVay break through. Having a legendary coach as a father helped Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, as well as Philadelphia assistant coach Coby Karl.
So, yes, Bronny James benefited from his father's last name. He also carries the weight of his father's last name. And on the day he was drafted, arguably one of the happiest moments of his life, he learned that weight will likely never be lifted. Accusations of nepotism will shadow his career until he shines on his own. And even then, he will be questioned.
That's the downside of life… and a great life lesson.
