After Bronny James was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and joined the same team as his dad, LeBron James, people went into an uproar, accusing him of getting the spot solely because of his father’s influence.
Everywhere you looked online, folks were talking about nepotism. But let’s be real for a second—nepotism isn’t new. It’s been around forever, and not just in basketball. Nepotism is practically the American way.
It’s nothing unique to Bronny and not just about NBA players. Nepotism exists across every industry, in politics, business, and sports. So why the sudden outrage when it’s LeBron James and his son?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers are interviewed after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Nepotism is everywhere, and it’s not just the ultra-wealthy who benefit from it. Regular families do, too. A father gets his son a summer job at his company. A mom makes a call to help her daughter get an internship. It’s the same idea. The 2010 U.S. Census found that 22% of men whose dads were around during their teenage years worked for the same employer as their fathers at the same time. This happens every day in America.
In politics, Donald Trump’s administration was the king of nepotism, with family members and loyalists filling key roles. The NFL is full of it, too. Even sports media is crawling with it. It’s a common practice, whether we like it or not. So why is it any different when it’s happening in the NBA and involves Bronny?
Let’s not act like Bronny hasn’t put in the work. Sure, his dad’s fame and influence might have opened some doors, but Bronny is talented and has worked hard to earn his place. The kid can hoop. His draft wasn’t just handed to him on a silver platter because of his last name. He’s been grinding, training and improving his skills for years.
The Double Standard for Black Nepotism
The issue here isn’t nepotism itself—it’s the double standard. Nepotism is common, but when it benefits Black families, suddenly, there’s outrage. Historically, white families have been the biggest beneficiaries of nepotism, especially when it comes to jobs.Harvard Magazine even reported that white men are more likely to land jobs through family connections and this has widened the racial income gap over time.
Nepotism has always worked as an institutional barrier for Black people. Not many because if the people in power are white and they only pass opportunities to their family members, the cycle keeps repeating itself. That’s why it’s so hard for Black people to break into certain spaces. Nepotism locks us out. When Black families benefit from nepotism, it’s a way for them to build a legacy and break down barriers. Black actors, artists and athletes like Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Diana Ross, Beyonce and Ice Cube have opened doors for their kids, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If anything, it’s a beautiful thing to see. These parents worked hard to build something, and now their kids can continue the legacy.
Everyone wants their children to succeed, to build on what they started. It’s no different for Black families. We’ve been taught that success only comes from grinding extra hard or “getting it out of the mud,” but that shouldn’t have to be the case. If white folks can use nepotism to help their families get ahead, why can’t we do the same?
