As the 2024 NBA season approaches, all eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers-not just for their performance on the court, but for a historic moment set to unfold. The Lakers are planning to feature both LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, in the lineup for their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22. This father-son duo marks a first in NBA history, but not everyone is excited.
A historic moment or a distraction?
LeBron and Bronny shared the court for the first time during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. In that game, Bronny logged 13 minutes but failed to score, grabbing two rebounds and taking just one shot. Now, fans are wondering how this chemistry will translate to a regular-season matchup.
Shams Charania of ESPN recently revealed that the Lakers plan to have the James duo play together on opening night. “We’re going to be seeing history very, very soon,” Charania said, stoking excitement among some fans-but drawing criticism from others.
Backlash brewing
While the historic moment has been highly anticipated by many, the Lakers are facing backlash for what some see as misplaced priorities. Critics have been vocal on social media, with many calling the Lakers “unserious” for focusing on the LeBron-Bronny storyline over improving their team’s performance.
“Extremely unserious for them to do this in general… especially against the Timberwolves,” tweeted @BradeauxNBA, reflecting the sentiment of many disgruntled fans.
Others have echoed similar concerns, calling the team a “reality show” more interested in media attention than winning. One fan went as far as to compare the Lakers to the controversy surrounding Colorado Football, accusing them of “playing for clicks” rather than chasing victories.
Concerns about the Lakers’ focus
The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of last year’s playoffs, and many fans are worried that the team is prioritizing media engagement over getting back to championship form. One frustrated fan summed up this feeling with, “Keeping up with the Jameses, lmao… Lakers are more of a reality show than an NBA team this season.”
Still, not all fans are displeased. For many, the chance to see a father and son share the court in an NBA game is a compelling story, one that transcends the usual on-court drama. However, the real question remains: Can the Lakers balance this historic moment with the serious business of winning games?
What’s next for Bronny?
While Charania’s report suggests that Bronny James will be part of the Lakers’ opening night roster, it is expected that he will spend some time developing with the South Bay Lakers, the franchise’s G League affiliate. Whether this will help him find his rhythm or add fuel to the criticism remains to be seen.
As the Lakers prepare to face the Timberwolves on October 22, the team finds itself under the microscope. Will this gamble on history pay off, or will the “unserious” claims prove prophetic? Either way, one thing is certain: the spotlight will be firmly on LeBron and Bronny as the season tips off.
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