LeBron James News and Info Tracker

LeBron James Sparks Debate Over NBA's Obsession with Three-Point Shooting


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In recent weeks, LeBron James has sparked a significant debate within the NBA by expressing his concerns over the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting in the league. During a discussion about the new format of the NBA All-Star Game, James diverted the conversation to what he sees as a broader issue: the proliferation of three-point attempts in modern basketball.

"I mean, it's a bigger conversation. 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. So it's a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game," James stated, highlighting his frustration with the current state of the game.

James' comments come at a time when three-point shooting has reached unprecedented levels. The league average for three-point attempts per game has skyrocketed to 37.5, a stark contrast to the 14.9 attempts per game during James' rookie season. Even James' own team, the Los Angeles Lakers, ranks below the league average with 33.4 three-point attempts per game, despite being coached by JJ Redick, a renowned three-point shooter[1].

Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the player who revolutionized the NBA's approach to three-point shooting, has responded to James' criticism. Curry, known for his exceptional three-point shooting, remains unwavering in his commitment to this aspect of his game. "I'm never going to fight three-point shots," Curry said in an interview. "It's just how I've seen the game forever." He also noted that his reliance on three-pointers is partly due to his physical limitations compared to other players, stating, "It's not like I can do a 360 windmill, drive down that lane, and dunk on somebody"[2][3].

Curry's stance is supported by his consistent performance over the years, despite recent subpar games. He remains the NBA's all-time leader in three-point shots and is confident that the league will continue to evolve and adapt to different playing styles[3].

James' criticism is not isolated; other NBA personalities, such as Charles Barkley, have also expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the game, describing it as a "three-point shooting contest" that is impacting fan interest[2].

On a personal note, James is currently navigating one of the worst shooting slumps of his career. Over his last four games, he has missed all 19 of his three-point attempts, a slump that has raised questions about his ability to maintain his high level of performance as he approaches his 40th birthday. This slump has led to discussions about whether James can continue to play all 82 games in the season, a goal he had set for himself[4].

The debate sparked by James' comments underscores the ongoing evolution of the NBA and the diverse opinions among its stars regarding the direction of the game. As the league continues to adapt, it remains to be seen how teams and players will balance the increasing reliance on three-point shooting with other aspects of the game.
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