LeBron James’ Nepotism Critics Get Called out After Danny Ainge’s Son Becomes Jazz’s Top Exec: “Nepo Baby but He Doesn’t Look like Bronny”

LeBron James was called out for nepotism ever since his son Bronny James ended up with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James’ Nepotism Critics Get Called out After Danny Ainge’s Son Becomes Jazz’s Top Exec: “Nepo Baby but He Doesn’t Look like Bronny”

LeBron James and Austin Ainge (Image via FirstSportz)

Before the 2024-25 season officially opened, much of the discourse surrounding the NBA was centered on LeBron James, who many believed brought in his son Bronny James using his powers as the most influential person in the Los Angeles Lakers’ building.

Until the 2024 Draft, many tried to discredit the USC star’s credentials as a basketball player. That narrative changed to nepotism after the Lakers drafted James Jr. with the 55th overall pick. Fans and most of his father’s critics believed James Sr. gave his son a job that could have gone to another deserving player.

In the initial few weeks of the season, those nepotism calls grew louder, and many questioned whether Bronny James was even capable of playing in the G-League. A few weeks later, the rookie started to perform much better, and his performances, both in the developmental league and on the senior team, shut many up.

However, those nepotism calls still haven’t died down. Critics of LeBron James think that after Luka Doncic came in, the 40-year-old has a motive to postpone his retirement until his second son, Bryce Maximus James, is ready to join his older brother and father.

Some notable members of the media have tried to squash these nepotism criticisms by citing how it is prevalent in the front office and coaching. The most recent example is when Shams Charania revealed that the Utah Jazz hired Austin Ainge to become their new President of Basketball Operations.

Fans tear into LeBron James’ critics after Jazz hired Austin Ainge

Austin Ainge is the son of Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. This move reunites father and son after the former spent much of his time working his way up with the Boston Celtics, where his father worked before. Now, fans are pointing fingers at those critics who called out nepotism when it came to LeBron and Bronny James.

Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge
Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge (Image via NBA/X)

They believe those critics are silent for two reasons. One is that because it is LeBron James, many are jealous and thus will shout from the rooftops. The second is because they believe it is due to race. Just because it was a Black father bringing in his son, those critics voiced their opinions. In the case of the Ainge’s, they are White, which is why those critics are quiet. Examples of such reactions are below.

Austin Ainge might have done enough during his time with the Boston Celtics to warrant this job. He also seems to be the best bet for the Utah Jazz organization to continue on the goals his father, Danny Ainge, set out to fulfill. This brings long-term stability and will be crucial for the franchise to continue towards its goal.

Bronny James to have bigger role next season

All throughout his rookie season, Bronny James was tasked with developing his basketball skills, confidence, and ability to play against bigger and faster NBA stars. By the end of the season, many believed the young star proved he was ready for a bigger role.

The fact is, he was a lot better player in April than he was in October, and definitely in July… If he can show that wasn’t a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. He is going to be a regular for them next year.

Anonymous NBA Executive to Sean Deveney/Athlon Sports

The executive also told Sean Deveney that there is no question James Jr. can defend. It also became evident that he was hitting his stride as a solid three-point shooter. That can lead to trust among his teammates, which will go a long way to bring him into the rotation.

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