We bring sports news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and get a winning edge.
π Good morning to everyone, but especially to …
THE JAMES FAMILY
In October of 2004, the Cleveland Cavaliers played an eight-game preseason in two weeks. This was months after LeBron James received the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, and an offseason that included the Olympics in Athens. But something else happened that October that was infinitely more important. James became a father for the first time.
Fast forward 20 years and that child, Bronny James, has now been drafted by an NBA team — and not just any team, the Los Angeles Lakers, the team for which his father plays (Yes, technically, the father did opt out of his contract a few days ago, but let’s dispense with formalities for a moment). When the Lakers 2024-25 season kicks off this fall, the overwhelming expectation is that James, 39, and James, 20, will be more than father and son. They’ll be teammates, marking the first time in the history of the NBA that such a pairing has happened.
There is, and will continue to be, a never-ending sea of opinions on the developments that have gotten us to this point. And there will be basketball conversations, but this moment should also recognize one other thing. Congratulations are in order for LeBron and Savannah James, along with for Bronny James and those in their inner circle.Β
Don’t get me wrong. A deeper dive into what transpired to reach this moment is fascinating. But we also must meet the noise with the nuance. Here’s a terrific take by CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish on one aspect of the recent discourse.
Parrish:“Did the entire process get manipulated? Yes. Could it reasonably be described as nepotism? Sure. But this kind of stuff actually happens in basketball all the time. Billy Donovan has helped his son land jobs. John Calipari has helped his son land jobs. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother has been on the roster in Milwaukee for five years.Β Jalen Brunson’sΒ father is on staff in New York. In other words, there is nothing too unique about LeBron and his agent creating this situation for Bronny. And though some have criticized the Lakers for going along with the plan, I personally think the 55th pick (that typically amounts to nothing) is a small price to pay to keep the NBA’s all-time leading scorer happy and ensure he signs an extension and retires with the franchise.”
As for the rest of the NBA Draft coverage, here’s a sample of what else you can find on our site:
π Honorable mentions
β½ And not such a good morning for …
Go to Source
Author: Otto Strong
June 28, 2024 | 9:26 am