It's not clear if LeBronĀ JamesĀ was joking when he spoke with reporters after practice on Tuesday, and there are probably someĀ MADD members who don't think it's funny either way, but you be the judge. First, though, some context:
TheĀ conversation with reporters took a winding road to the wine comments. Initially, James was asked about theĀ cultural divide separating himĀ from his younger Lakers teammates.Ā LeBronĀ alreadyĀ knows what's current because his 14-year-old, LeBronĀ James Jr, (aka Bronny), as well as his 11-year-old, Bryce Maximus, listen and watch the same things as his young LakersĀ teammates. Fast-forward to around 2:56 in the video to seeĀ the segue into wine.
"Iāve got very mature 14- and 11-year-olds," James said.Ā "My 14- and 11-year-olds drink wine."
"Really?" a reporter checked. "Yeah, thatās how mature they are.Ā Theyāll 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 momās having." James appeared to realizeĀ his wife might think his spontaneous joking wouldĀ land on her, adding.Ā "Put it on me, though. Donāt 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 alreadyĀ suffered enough ignominy this week.