LeBron Slams NBA’s 3-Point Obsession Too Many F—ing 3s

The NBA landscape is evolving, and no one is watching it more closely than Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Entering his 22nd season, the King has seen the game change dramatically, especially with the rise of 3-point shooting. Recently, James made headlines with his unfiltered remarks on the league’s 3-point shooting spike, proving once again that he’s not shy about speaking his mind.

LeBron’s NSFW Take on NBA’s 3-Point Craze

During a discussion about the newly revamped NBA All-Star Game format, James took the opportunity to highlight what he believes is a bigger issue plaguing the league: the sheer volume of 3-point attempts.

“It’s not just the All-Star Game, it’s our game in general. Our game — there’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot,” James declared. His comment reflects a sentiment shared by fans and analysts who are debating whether the NBA’s increasing reliance on 3-pointers is enhancing or diluting the game.

This season, NBA teams are attempting an average of 37.5 3-pointers per game, a stark contrast to the 14.9 attempts per game during James’ rookie season in 2003-04. The defending champion Boston Celtics are leading the charge with a staggering 51.1 attempts per game, well above the league average.

A Bigger Conversation About Style and Strategy

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighed in on the topic, noting that the league is engaging in discussions about basketball’s evolving style. However, Silver resisted simplifying the debate to just 3-point shooting.

“We look more holistically at the skill level on the floor, the diversity of offense, and the fan reception to the game,” Silver explained.

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla also pushed back against criticism, questioning why scoring increases in basketball are seen as problematic compared to other sports.

LeBron and the Lakers’ Contrast to the Trend

Interestingly, James’ Lakers stand in stark contrast to teams like the Celtics. The Lakers rank 27th in the league for 3-point attempts, averaging just 33.4 per game, under the guidance of head coach JJ Redick, a 3-point sharpshooter in his playing days.

For perspective, during James’ rookie year, the league leader attempted only 23.6 3-pointers per game. Today, individual players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are attempting over 10 3-pointers per game.

Despite being no stranger to the deep shot, James himself has scaled back his attempts. After peaking at 8.0 3-pointers per game in the 2021-22 season, he is now attempting just 5.7 per game.

The NBA’s All-Star Format Overhaul

James’ remarks came amid broader conversations about the NBA All-Star Game’s declining appeal. The league announced changes aimed at revitalizing the event, a decision James supported despite anticipating some resistance.

“These last few years have not been a great All-Star Game, that Sunday night,” James admitted. However, he sees the changes as a step in the right direction, even if it’s met with initial criticism.

What’s Next for the NBA and Its 3-Point Revolution?

As the league continues to explore ways to evolve, the debate over 3-point shooting will undoubtedly remain a hot topic. While coaches like Mazzulla defend the current trend, veterans like James call for a deeper conversation about the direction of the game.

Whether the NBA will take steps to curb the 3-point surge or let the trend continue remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: LeBron James, even in his 22nd season, is as invested in the game’s future as ever.

Key Takeaways

• The NBA is experiencing an unprecedented surge in 3-point attempts, with league averages tripling since James’ rookie year.
• LeBron James criticized the heavy reliance on 3-point shooting, calling for a broader discussion about the game’s evolution.
• Teams like the Celtics embrace the trend, while the Lakers, under JJ Redick, buck the norm with fewer attempts.
• Changes to the NBA All-Star Game format highlight ongoing efforts to keep the league fresh and engaging for fans.

As debates rage on, one thing is certain: James’ candid comments have reignited discussions about the future of basketball.