‘Nepotism at Its Best’: LeBron James and Son Bronny Criticized by Fans after Making History Playing Together

Basketball legend LeBron James made National Basketball Association (NBA) history on October 22, 2024, when he played a game alongside his son, LeBron “Bronny.” Despite the moment’s significance, some critics argued that Bronny only made it onto the court due to his father’s influence.

The NBA shared a clip of LeBron and his son preparing to play together for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were shown taking off their sweaters before stepping onto the court, with LeBron sporting his number 23 jersey with his last name on the back.

Bronny, wearing number nine, had “James Jr.” on his jersey. The pair were called onto the court simultaneously, sparking some negative comments from netizens. One person lamented, “It would mean more if it was earned.”

A critic who believed Bronny hadn’t earned his spot wrote, “NEPOTISM AT ITS BEST… kid doesn’t [sic] even belong in the GLeague.” Another person felt, “Bronny should have stayed in college and improved his game Bryce [James] is the one [sic].”

One viewer found the situation “So cringe.. We all know bronny is not good enough to be in the league smh.” Despite the negativity, a fan sided with the father-son duo.

The fan commented, “❤️🔥🔥unbelievable. No matter the outcome. LB created that path for his son. Coming from the bottom to the top. And doing what a father should do for he’s [sic] son. Forget what others say y’all made history. Father/Son 👑❤️ sharing the court 🏀.”

The Lakers shared a clip of LeBron coaching his son before they were called to play. He asked Bronny if he noticed how intense the game was and advised him to “just play carefree though.”

LeBron encouraged his son not to worry about mistakes and to “just go out and play hard.” Some Instagram users rallied behind Bronny, with one commenting, “A Good Kid, I hope he improves and shows he belongs in the NBA.”

Another basketball fan remarked, “I hope Bronny improves, he’s feeling way too much pressure and it’s showing.” Someone else, excited about the moment, said, “This the most beautiful thing ever idc what anyone says. Prolly the highlight of his whole career, playing alongside and tutoring his own seed❤️.”

A Facebook user had a different take, asking, “If he is worthy nba talent why did he only play 2 min? This wasn’t organic but staged and forced, taking a roster spot from nba ready [sic]. What a shame.”

Another critic claimed, “LeBron forced it to happen, but a great moment for him. Not a great moment for the NBA or anyone else. Yes it’s history and all that. Just wish it was more natural and earned.”

But, a netizen who felt Bronny just needed time commented, “Only time will tell if this is a great historical moment or evidence of nepotism! For the sake of LeBron’s legacy, Bronny needs to show he actually deserves to be on the court.”

Mocking the duo, a critic wrote, “And first for father son [sic] duo allowing the opposite team to go on a 7-0 run directly after being the first to be on the court together.” Another naysayer added, “He doesn’t deserve to be there.”

Agreeing with the critics, a Facebooker said, “What a joke this is. Clear nepotism. Bronny isnt even good enough to start on most high school teams. The Lakers are a clown organization was wasting a pick on Bronny [sic].”

Though not everyone supported Bronny’s time on the court, his mother and two siblings were in the stands cheering him on. With four minutes left before halftime, the father-son duo entered the Crypto.com Arena game.

The historical moment, which can only occur if a father plays in the NBA for around 20 years, lasted just two minutes and 41 seconds. As the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny wasn’t the first player called off the bench during the Lakers’ season-opening night.

The 20-year-old also didn’t remain in the game beyond the next timeout and did not return for the second half. LeBron scored 16 points, while his teammate Anthony Davis dominated with 36 points and 16 rebounds.

The Lakers ultimately won 110-103 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Bronny playing after recovering from a health scare in 2023. At the time, LeBron’s eldest son went into cardiac arrest during a routine workout at the University of Southern California (USC).

His family’s representative revealed that the then-18-year-old received medical assistance immediately and was transported to a hospital. The incident occurred at approximately 9:26 a.m. on July 24, 2023.

A 911 call was logged at the USC Galen Center, and the emergency was labeled a Code 3. Bronny was later moved from the ICU and stabilized. A few months before the incident, the athlete had graduated from Sierra Canyon High School.

Speaking in the premiere of their “Starting 5” Netflix documentary, LeBron and his wife, Savannah, reflected on the health scare caused by a congenital heart defect. Savannah shared, “I think at the end of the day, it was just about us supporting each other and just being super grateful for the outcome.”

Grateful for his son’s life being saved, LeBron leaned on his faith, saying, “Shout out to the man above.” He also thanked the training and coaching staff and the program members who helped Bronny.

Speaking of Erin, a USC medical staff member, LeBron called her a “lifesaver, literally.” Erin was the first responder who performed CPR on Bronny after he collapsed and LeBron credited the school’s medical team for saving his son’s life.

He explained that they were “the reason Bronny is alive now and smiling and thriving and doing what any 19-year-old should be doing, and that’s living out their dream.” Bronny spent three days at Los Angeles’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center before undergoing further evaluations at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.

Reflecting on the incident in October 2024, Bronny shared that it had started like any typical day. After having his smoothie, he went to USC’s campus for a summer workout, but halfway through his running drills, he blacked out.

Bronny has since worked hard to get back on track with his routines. He does breathing exercises and has had a full reset to be where he is today. LeBron’s son now takes heart medication and uses a heart pillow.

The pillow allows him to hold it against his chest to ease the pain when he’s coughing. His recovery has been gradual, with him saying, “I still feel like I’m getting back, I’m getting back to where I was.”

LeBron has long expressed interest in playing alongside his son before retiring. When asked about his greatest career accomplishment, he said sharing the court with Bronny would be his number one.

His son, who had been a four-star recruit, averaged 14 points, three assists, and five rebounds during his senior year at Sierra Canyon. LeBron, who once stated, “My last year will be played with my son. Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year,” has now partially fulfilled his dream.