LeBron James believes the NBA has bigger issues than just the All-Star Game, emphasizing that the league is currently inundated with three-point shots. The veteran player, who has spent two decades in the NBA, recognizes the need for change but is not quite ready to discuss all his ideas yet.
As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, James shared his thoughts on the newly announced NBA All-Star format. He expressed a willingness to embrace the league’s new direction.
“We got to do something,” James told reporters. “Obviously, the last couple of years have not been great All-Star games on Sunday night.”
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While James appeared neither overly enthusiastic nor disappointed about the new tournament-style setup for the All-Star Game, he pointed out that the conversation should extend beyond just this event. He highlighted the broader issue of the league’s playing style, particularly the overwhelming prevalence of three-point shooting.
“It’s a bigger conversation. It’s not just the All-Star game. It’s our game in general. Our game is … it’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just an All-Star game,” said James.
Colin Cowherd from FOX Sports shares James’s concern, suggesting that the high volume of three-point attempts has become problematic for the NBA. He proposed some rule changes to address this issue.
“I would move the 3-point arc into the bench, eliminate the corner and move it back a foot,” Cowherd said. “Make it part of the game, not the game.”
As a 20-time All-Star and three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, James has witnessed the evolution of the game firsthand. The 39-year-old has seen everything from spectacular dunks and fast breaks to the current trend where players from all positions shoot three-pointers from way beyond the arc.
In last year’s All-Star Game, the East triumphed over the West with a score of 211-186, showcasing a staggering number of three-point attempts: the West made 25 out of 71, while the East hit 42 of 97.
This year, diversifying the All-Star teams by limiting the number of three-point shooters might encourage a return to a more traditional, street-ball style of play that James grew up with. However, given the current accuracy levels of players in the league, that might be an ambitious hope.
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With NBA All-Star Voting opening on Thursday, fans can cast their votes daily until January 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET through the NBA app or on NBA.com.
