LeBron James seemed lukewarm at best about the new format of the NBA All-Star Game announced earlier this week.
But he had an idea about league-wide trends.
James addressed the changes to the All-Star Game, which now includes a four-team, three-game mini-tournament, ahead of the Lakers' Thursday night matchup with the Kings in Sacramento.
And while the NBA superstar didn't have much of an opinion, he acknowledged that something needs to change at the All-Star Game, which has been plagued by lackluster defenses for years.
“So, in a sense, it’s different.” James told reporters. “But I don't know, I don't really have anything… You'll see, you'll see when you get there. It's different. Obviously, if you make any changes, you'll get some of that back. I don't know. I mean, I have an idea of what might work.”
James said he was not consulted about the format of the All-Star Game, but seemed to feel changes needed to be made beyond the All-Star showcase.
“It's not just the All-Star Game. It's our game overall,” James said. “…There's a lot of fucking 3s being shot. So it's a bigger story than just the All-Star Game.”
James, one of four Lakers players to have attempted at least 130 3-pointers this year, declined to say how he would address the 3-point shooting issue.
“It's a much bigger conversation,” he said.
Other NBA stars have also voiced their opinions on the All-Star format change, with Kevin Durant shooting down the adjustment.
“I absolutely hate it,” he said. “Terrible. The format of the All-Star Game is changing. In my opinion, all formats are terrible and East and West should go back and just play the game. I think we've been trying to get that flare back somehow with All-Star Weekend. , I think we just keep it traditional.”
