Nepotism debates surrounding LeBron and Bronny James stem from a longstanding stigma in America

By Alanis Thames | The Associated Press FILE – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and guard Bronny James warm up before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Palm Desert, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang, File)(AP) – LeBron James stood on the court next to his son Bronny and couldn’t help but glance over at him to take in the moment. The duo wore matching Los Angeles Lakers jerseys with “James” and “James Jr.” embroidered in big purple letters on their backs.“It was like the matrix or something,” LeBron said afterward. “It just didn’t feel real.”The Lakers helped the 39-year-old James realize a yearslong dream of playing alongside his son when they drafted Bronny with the 55th overall pick in June, making way for them to become first father-son pair to play in an NBA game together in a preseason matchup on Oct. 6.Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has described the draft pick as “magical,” while his organization has drawn criticisms about whether Bronny would have earned the opportunity if his father wasn’t one of the game’s greatest players. Those objections — albeit met with widespread excitement for the James family —...