Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] NBA ratings have taken a significant hit compared to this time last year, sparking debates about whether the league needs a major overhaul. LeBron James appears to share some fans’ frustrations.
When asked on Thursday about the NBA’s revamped All-Star Game format—featuring a mini-tournament with untimed games—James didn’t hold back from pointing to what he sees as a broader issue in the league.
“We gotta do something. Obviously, the last couple of years have not been a great All-Star Game that Sunday night,” James said. “But, listen, it’s a bigger conversation. It’s not just the All-Star Game. It’s our game in general. Our game is … there’s a lot of f–ing threes being shot, so it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game.”
James’ comment touches on a growing concern: NBA teams are launching more three-pointers than ever before. This season, teams are on pace to set a record for combined three-point attempts. The Boston Celtics, for instance, are attempting over 50 threes per game—a staggering number that reflects head coach Joe Mazzulla’s philosophy that three-point attempt rate is the most critical stat in modern basketball.
Some have floated ideas like moving the three-point line back to curb the trend, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver dismissed that as unfeasible. However, Silver acknowledged the need for change, emphasizing the importance of “diversity in offense” to avoid a cookie-cutter style of play.
While the Celtics’ success—boasting a 21-6 record after last season’s championship—shows the effectiveness of a three-heavy strategy, it hasn’t resonated with all fans. The league could face mounting pressure to introduce a radical shift if ratings continue to fall.