Stephen A. reacts to Bob Myers saying Rich Paul called teams to NOT draft Bronny | First Take

Summary

The script discusses the historic moment when Bronny James, son of LeBron James, was drafted by the Lakers, potentially making NBA history as father and son teammates. It includes commentary on Rich Paul's agent tactics, the Lakers GM's reaction, and LeBron's legacy post on Instagram. The conversation also touches on the concept of nepotism in sports, with a defense of leveraging influence when deserved, and a critique of double standards in how power is perceived and exercised in the industry.

Takeaways

• 🎉 History was made with Bronny James being drafted by the Lakers in the second round, potentially playing alongside his father LeBron James.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Rich Paul, LeBron James's agent, has been sending messages to teams not to draft Bronny, indicating a strategic plan for his career path.
• 📈 Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke about the significance of a father and son sharing an NBA court, hinting at the possibility of LeBron opting out to play with his son.
• 🤔 The discussion raises questions about the role of agents in drafting decisions and the politics involved in such high-profile situations.
• 👀 There is a debate about whether Bronny's drafting is a result of nepotism or his own merits, with some arguing he has earned the opportunity.
• 🏆 LeBron James's influence and power in the NBA are undeniable, and his potential to play with his son is a significant moment for the sport.
• 📊 The conversation touches on the broader issue of nepotism in professional sports and how it is perceived differently based on who is involved.
• 👨‍👦 The idea of family legacy in sports is highlighted, with LeBron's post on Instagram showing a picture of him and Bronny with the caption 'Legacy'.
• 🗣️ There is a call for more instances of 'black nepotism' when it involves individuals who are deserving of the opportunities they receive.
• 🤝 The script discusses the importance of respecting LeBron James's career and his right to influence the game, even as he approaches the end of his playing days.
• 👥 The dialogue acknowledges other influential black agents in sports, suggesting that success and power should be celebrated rather than resented.

Q & A

What historic event was discussed in the script regarding the NBA draft?

The historic event discussed was Bronny James being drafted by the Lakers, making him a teammate with his father, LeBron James, which has never happened in NBA history where a father and son have shared an NBA basketball court.

What is the potential significance of LeBron James opting into his contract with the Lakers?

If LeBron James opts into his contract with the Lakers, it could lead to NBA history being made with him and his son Bronny playing together on the same team.

What was the reaction of the Lakers' General Manager, Rob Pelinka, to the drafting of Bronny James?

Rob Pelinka spoke about the historic nature of the day, emphasizing that there has never been a father and son sharing an NBA court and that it could be a magical moment if LeBron also joins the team next season.

What was LeBron James's reaction to the news of him and his son becoming Lakers teammates?

LeBron James reacted on Instagram by posting a photo of him and his son from when Bronny was a child and another recent photo of them in Lakers uniforms with the caption 'Legacy'.

What did Bob Myers, the Golden State Warriors' President of Basketball Operations, say about Rich Paul?

Bob Myers mentioned that Rich Paul was calling teams and telling them not to draft Bronny James, implying that if they did, Bronny would go to Australia, indicating that there was a plan in place.

What is the controversy surrounding Rich Paul's actions during the draft?

The controversy is that Rich Paul was publicly downplaying the significance of LeBron and Bronny playing together, while privately he was telling teams not to draft Bronny, which some see as a contradiction or manipulation.

How did Jay Williams respond to the discussion about Rich Paul's tactics during the draft?

Jay Williams suggested that while Rich Paul's tactics might seem manipulative, they are part of the political game that is often played in such situations, and he does not hold it against Rich Paul.

What did Christine Williamson and Jay Williams discuss regarding the concept of nepotism in the context of Bronny James being drafted?

They discussed that nepotism is often seen in different forms in the NBA and other areas, and that if someone is worthy of the opportunity, such as Bronny James, it should be accepted rather than resented.

What point did Jay Williams make about LeBron James's influence and power in the NBA?

Jay Williams argued that LeBron James has earned the right to have influence and power in the NBA, and that his ability to manipulate proceedings to some degree should be applauded rather than resented.

What was the discussion about the potential resentment towards LeBron James for his power and influence?

The discussion suggested that there might be resentment because people want LeBron to just be an athlete and not have the power to influence roster decisions, but it was also argued that this resentment is unjustified given his status and contributions to the game.

How did the conversation relate the situation with LeBron James to historical examples of nepotism in the NBA?

The conversation pointed out that nepotism has been prevalent in the NBA, especially among white ownership and executive ranks, and questioned why there is sudden concern when it involves a black athlete like LeBron James.