LeBron James on the State of the NBA: “There’s a Lot of F—— Threes Being Shot”

In a candid moment before a recent matchup with the Sacramento Kings, LeBron James shared his thoughts on the current state of the NBA, addressing one of the league’s most debated topics: the overwhelming number of three-point shots being attempted.

“Our game, there’s a lot of f—— threes being shot,” LeBron remarked when asked about the league’s state and the All-Star Game format changes. His unfiltered comments have sparked further discussions among fans and analysts about the evolution of basketball and its effects on viewership.

The 3-Point Revolution and Its Impact

One of the dominant narratives this NBA season revolves around declining TV ratings. While the reasons for the drop in viewership are complex, some fans and critics have pointed fingers at the game’s reliance on the three-point shot.

LeBron’s critique isn’t new. He has previously spoken about the importance of attacking the rim and diversifying offensive strategies rather than relying solely on long-range shooting. On his “Mind The Game” podcast with JJ Redick, he discussed how consistently putting pressure on the rim is a more sustainable and effective offensive approach.

“It’s not just about jacking up threes every possession,” LeBron emphasized. “There’s a balance to be found.”

The Lakers, under head coach Darvin Ham, initially pushed for LeBron to attempt more three-point shots. However, the team found significant success last season with a more balanced approach, particularly by dominating the paint. They ranked second in points in the paint, averaging 55.8 points per game. This year, that number has dropped to 49.9 points, placing them eighth in the league.

Viewership Woes: A Complex Problem

Critics linking the decline in NBA ratings solely to the abundance of three-point attempts might be oversimplifying the issue. As JJ Redick pointed out, the conversation about viewership and the league’s evolution requires nuance.

“Not all progress is linear,” Redick said. “Expecting viewership to rise every year based on outdated metrics like TV ratings is unrealistic.”

Redick and others have argued that factors such as streaming platforms, changing viewer habits, and market saturation play a significant role in the dip in traditional TV viewership. While the three-point-heavy style of play might alienate some fans, there’s no definitive evidence it’s the primary cause of the decline.

Balancing Tradition with Innovation

LeBron’s comments highlight a broader discussion about the NBA’s identity as it adapts to modern trends. The rise in three-point attempts reflects the game’s evolution, with analytics showing the value of the three-point shot in maximizing offensive efficiency. However, the shift has also led to criticisms of the game becoming one-dimensional.

“Sure, taking a lot of threes isn’t always the best way to attack a defense,” LeBron admitted. “But it’s part of how the game evolves.”

Some fans nostalgically compare today’s NBA to the gritty, physical style of the 1990s. However, it’s worth noting that era wasn’t without its flaws—frequent fouls and low-scoring, contested shots were common criticisms.

The Future of the NBA

As the NBA continues to evolve, challenges like fluctuating viewership and debates about playing style are natural growing pains. While the three-point revolution has transformed the sport, it’s unlikely the league will implement rules to limit its use. Instead, teams will need to strike a balance between long-range shooting and other offensive strategies to maintain competitiveness and fan engagement.

For now, LeBron’s perspective adds an important voice to the conversation. While the game may be in flux, its ability to adapt and innovate ensures its enduring appeal.