It's not clear if LeBron James was joking when he spoke with reporters after practice on Tuesday, and there are probably some MADD members who don't think it's funny either way, but you be the judge. First, though, some context:
The conversation with reporters took a winding road to the wine comments. Initially, James was asked about the cultural divide separating him from his younger Lakers teammates. LeBron already knows what's current because his 14-year-old, LeBron James Jr, (aka Bronny), as well as his 11-year-old, Bryce Maximus, listen and watch the same things as his young Lakers teammates. Fast-forward to around 2:56 in the video to see the segue into wine.
"I’ve got very mature 14- and 11-year-olds," James said. "My 14- and 11-year-olds drink wine."
"Really?" a reporter checked. "Yeah, that’s how mature they are. They’ll be driving next week, too." A smile tugged at James' mouth the entire time. Asked if they like red or white, he answered, "Whatever dad and mom’s having." James appeared to realize his wife might think his spontaneous joking would land on her, adding. "Put it on me, though. Don’t put it on moms. Put it on dad, put it on dad."
We still don't know if LeBron was joking, but even if he wasn't, we should probably avoid blowing the story up unnecessarily. The temperance movement has already suffered enough ignominy this week.
