Opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs was a massive success. Many were concerned that the absence of LeBron James would lead to lower ratings for the NBA...but the opposite is true thus far. NBA ratings surged to decade-long highs opening weekend.

We reveal and react to NBA Playoff ratings. We discuss which factors lured in the casual viewer...and why the casual viewer was willing to give the NBA a second chance. We also discuss LeBron James fatigue with casual NBA fans...and how the success of the NBA Playoffs could prove the league no longer needs LeBron James.