Bronny James Has Received Over 8K All-Star Votes; Can He Make The Rising Stars Team?

Bronny James, the eldest son of LeBron James, has captured significant attention in the basketball world, evidenced by his approximately 8.2K NBA All-Star votes. While his inclusion in the Rising Stars game seems more like a long shot than a certainty, the buzz surrounding him raises an interesting discussion about his eligibility and impact on the league.

Bronny’s popularity is undeniable. Reports suggest that his Lakers jersey sales alone have exceeded $50 million, a testament to his marketability and the immense following he commands. Social media campaigns urging fans to vote for Bronny to make the Rising Stars game further highlight his cultural impact. However, when evaluating his performance, the case for his inclusion becomes murky.

In the G League, where Bronny has spent most of his playing time, he averages 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. However, his shooting efficiency—36.6% from the field and 21.2% from three-point range—leaves much to be desired. His numbers for the Lakers’ NBA team are even less compelling. 

Across eight games, he has averaged 0.5 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists while shooting an abysmal 11.1% in limited minutes (2.5 per game). These stats, on paper, do not scream Rising Stars material.

Despite his modest performance, there’s an argument to be made for Bronny’s inclusion in the Rising Stars game—viewership and ratings. The NBA, like any major sports league, benefits from maximizing audience engagement. Having Bronny in the game would undoubtedly draw massive attention, especially from fans eager to see the son of LeBron on a stage that hints at his potential future stardom.

Bronny’s presence could also symbolize the NBA’s embrace of the next generation, particularly with so many young stars already making waves. His inclusion might spark conversations about the league’s evolving nature and add another layer of entertainment to the All-Star Weekend festivities.

However, selecting Bronny for the Rising Stars game purely for his popularity risks undermining the event’s credibility. The Rising Stars game is meant to showcase emerging talent in the league, highlighting young players who have made meaningful contributions on the court. Including Bronny based solely on his name and marketability could invite criticism and controversy.

Additionally, Bronny has played only eight games in the NBA and has yet to make a significant impact. Rewarding him with a spot over more deserving candidates could alienate fans and other young players who have worked hard for such recognition.

Bronny James making the Rising Stars team would be a significant moment for NBA storytelling and fan engagement. However, it should not come at the expense of meritocracy. While his popularity and marketability are undeniable, the Rising Stars game is meant to reward young players based on their performance, not their potential or celebrity status.

If the NBA aims to maintain the event’s competitive integrity, Bronny’s time to shine on such a stage might be best left for the future—when his performance matches his influence. Until then, his growing fan base and rising star power will continue to generate excitement for what’s to come.