Mark Madden: LeBron James runs the Lakers, and the NBA, but others allowed this to happen

If you watch ESPN at any point during the Worldwide Leader’s six hours of nonstop yelling and mugging each weekday, there’s an overwhelming chance you’ll hear one of these subjects discussed at length:

• LeBron James/the Los Angeles Lakers.

• The Dallas Cowboys.

• Aaron Rodgers.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers and why Mike Tomlin always gives them a chance.

It’s nonstop.

Even though the Lakers didn’t win a playoff series last season and won’t this season.

Even though the Cowboys didn’t win a playoff game last season and won’t this season.

Even though Aaron Rodgers has made the New York Jets an even bigger joke.

Even though the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in seven seasons.

ESPN has decided what interests you and beats it to death at loud volume and via an incredible level of repetition.

Caitlin Clark has entered the chat, usurping a bit of the conversation. Especially now that she and Angel Reese will be teammates in the WNBA All-Star Game. See? They were friends all along!

The most insidious thing in sports media currently is the acceptance of the Bronny James con by the vast majority of those participating.

Bronny got drafted by the Lakers for one reason: He’s LeBron’s kid.

Bronny will make the Lakers for one reason: He’s LeBron’s kid.

Bronny will get on the court with the Lakers for one reason: He’s LeBron’s kid.

Bronny averaged 19.6 minutes per game for Southern Cal, sixth-highest on the team. He started only six games. He’s just not good enough to play in the NBA.

But he’s going to. A lot. Because LeBron runs the Lakers. He runs the NBA.

Bronny getting drafted in the second round (55th overall) should be universally panned. Made fun of. It ought to be a skit on “Saturday Night Live.”

But only a few brave souls dare criticize. (If you cover the NBA for a living, you don’t want to cross LeBron.)

Mostly, there’s resigned acceptance. That will give way to hyping the magic of father and son playing together for the first time in NBA history. Wait till daddy sets up junior for a basket. Tears, euphoria, etc. (That’s assuming Bronny ever scores.)

Brian Windhorst is a very respected journalist. He’s covered LeBron since the very beginning. He knows this is horse flop. But he has to play along.

New Lakers coach JJ Redick said that “Bronny has earned this.” OK. How ’bout you, J.J.? (Redick’s only prior coaching experience is grade-school basketball.)

Bronny said, “I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad.” With a straight face, believe it or not.

NBA teams missed a chance to have some fun with the Bronny situation.

Charlotte, for example, had the 12th pick in the second round. Thirteen picks before the Lakers chose Bronny.

The Hornets should have picked Bronny, then offered to trade him to the Lakers for five first-round picks.

If the Lakers balk, too bad for the Lakers.

Bronny could ride the bench in Charlotte or go play in Australia. That’s what his agent reportedly threatened if a team besides the Lakers drafted Bronny. Let daddy go jump with the kangaroos, too.

LeBron’s 39. The window to play with his kid is small. It’s not like he could wait for Bronny to reach free agency. LeBron certainly wouldn’t want to play in Charlotte.

But the Hornets, or any other NBA team, were never going to pull a stunt like that. Because LeBron runs the NBA. He runs ESPN.

Babe Ruth retired. MLB continued.

Michael Jordan retired. The NBA continued.

Nobody’s bigger than the league or the sport. LeBron isn’t even bigger than Jordan.

LeBron shouldn’t be blamed for helping his son. That’s family.

Blame those who allowed it to happen and those who won’t criticize.