As LeBron James prepares to make history by becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in regular season minutes played, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar took a moment to reflect on the current state of the league and the recently announced changes to the All-Star Game format. Speaking with reporters after the Lakers’ shootaround on Thursday, James expressed his belief that “something had to change” in the NBA, particularly when it comes to the proliferation of 3-point shooting.
“It’s not just the All-Star Game. It’s our game in general,” James said, his tone serious and contemplative. “There’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game.”
The Rise of the 3-Point Shot
James’ comments come amidst a season that has seen NBA teams collectively launch an unprecedented number of shots from beyond the arc. To put the 3-point revolution into perspective, consider this: the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who set a then-record with 73 wins, led the league in 3-point attempts per game with 31.6. This season, that mark would rank 29th, with only the Denver Nuggets attempting fewer (30.4).
Meanwhile, the defending champion Boston Celtics are on pace to shatter the NBA record for 3-point attempts in a season, hoisting up a staggering 51.1 per game. It’s a trend that has not gone unnoticed by league officials, with commissioner Adam Silver addressing the issue earlier this week.
“The answer is yes, [we are having] many discussions about the style of basketball [being played],” Silver said. “I would not reduce it to a so-called 3-point shooting issue. I think we look more holistically at the skill level on the floor, the diversity of the offense, the fan reception to the game, all of the above.”
– Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Revamping the All-Star Game
In an effort to inject new life into the annual All-Star Game, the NBA announced a major overhaul to the event’s format. Rather than the traditional East vs. West matchup or the more recent draft-style selection process, the 2025 edition will feature a round-robin tournament involving four teams of eight players each.
The 24 All-Stars will be divided into three teams, with a fourth squad comprised of rising stars from Friday night’s showcase game. Each team will play two untimed semifinal games, with the first to reach or surpass 40 points advancing to the championship round. James’ teammate, nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, expressed his reservations about the new format, stating bluntly, “I don’t really like it.”
James, however, seemed more receptive to the idea, acknowledging that change was necessary given the lackluster performances in recent All-Star Games. “Something had to change,” he said, before tempering his optimism with a wait-and-see approach. “We’ll see, we’ll see when we get there. It’s different. Obviously, anytime you make some type of change, it’s going to be some buck back.”
A Legendary Career Continues
As the debate over the NBA’s evolving style of play and its marquee midseason showcase rages on, LeBron James continues to etch his name into the record books. On Thursday night, when the Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings, James is poised to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s mark of 57,446 regular season minutes played, cementing his status as one of the most durable and productive players in league history.
It’s a testament to James’ longevity and dedication to his craft, as he continues to perform at an elite level in his 20th NBA season. While the league may be grappling with the consequences of its 3-point revolution and the need to reinvigorate its All-Star festivities, one thing remains certain: LeBron James’ impact on the game, both on and off the court, is undeniable and enduring.
As the NBA navigates the challenges of an ever-evolving basketball landscape, it will look to its stars, like LeBron James, to help guide the way. With his thoughtful critique of the league’s current state and his openness to change, James has once again demonstrated his leadership and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the sport he loves.
