What's the Matter with Memphis?
A LeBron James comment overlaps with an NBA racial paradox
On the House of Strauss BCC Chat (my preferred social media), I stated that this topic might be too hot to touch. Then, after some consideration, I figured it’s best just to share my NBA RACE take (behind a paywall).
You see, there’s a massive racial irony when it comes to NBA markets, one that LeBron James just barged into while commenting on which team he’d avoid playing for. There’s been a simmering media discussion on this irony for a while but I don’t think many understand how weird the situation really is. NBA teams, crazy as it sounds for a majority Black league, struggle to connect with Black fans. It’s not just an economic or socioeconomic issue. Again, I know this comes off as bizarre, but bear with me, and I’ll explain.