The Next Step

LeBron James wants the world to know, “I will not just shut up and dribble,” as he put it during a recent podcast in response to criticism from conservative pundit Laura Ingraham. The ever-so-polite Ingraham had in fact expressed the opinion during a recent show that James and fellow NBA star Kevin Durant ought to “shut up and dribble” and “keep the political commentary” to themselves.

James responded with, “I will definitely not do that.  I mean too much to society.  I mean too much to the youth.  I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.”

Good for James, because he doesn’t want to be another Mickey Mantle or Wilt Chamerblain, neither of whom seemed much aware of the world around them.  And good for Ingraham, because she’s letting James know he’s going to have to step up his game if he intends to argue ideas and issues with the likes of her.  The world of social commentary ain’t beanbag, folks.

Right now, James gets to talk about things in his comfort zone, whether police brutality or the dog-whistle racism of President Donal Trump.  But at some point he’s going to have fully formed positions on issues like immigration and trade, both of which affect the African-American community.

Does James believe in the value of education, given that he skipped college to play in the NBA?  What are his views on STEM?  Does he back the Dreamers and, if so, to what extent?  How many relatives should get to stay in/come to the U.S.?  If education is key, what to do about the H 1-B program that allows college-educated immigrants to fill high-tech job vacancies?  With H 1-B, what’s the motivation for poor kids to crack the books if Silicon Valley can hire an immigrant instead?  What about trade?  Is free trade good, or does it cost Americans too much in lost wages and jobs? 

These are questions I struggle with every day.  And they’ll be waiting for LeBron James as soon as he steps off the court.