LeBron James offers theory for declining NBA ratings: ‘We have to do something’

It’s no secret that the NBA is facing an uphill battle.

The league’s ratings decline extended well beyond the first week and continued as Christmas Day, normally an NBA spectacle, approached.

There are many reasons why ratings are down, but the general assumption is that the regular season is becoming a lot like the All-Star Game as of late.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures to a teammate during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

In recent years, midseason competition has been full of deep 3-pointers, uncontested dunks and almost no defense. We are now seeing a record pace of three-pointers made, missed and shot, while at the same time a lack of defense is evident.

This year, the NBA All-Star Game will be a four-team tournament, which the league hopes will add more competitiveness.

LeBron James admitted that “the last few years haven’t been a great All-Star Game,” but he knows the NBA has bigger problems on its hands and that the 3-point player could be largely responsible for that.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during a game against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 1, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. (Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics head coach admits he would “prefer to look at something else” as NBA ratings decline

“Listen, it’s a bigger conversation. It’s not just the All-Star Game, it’s our game in general. There are a lot of damn threes shot in our game. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game,” James said Thursday.

James attempts an average of 5.7 three-pointers per game; His career high is eight players from the 2021-22 season. He added that “something has to change” regarding the All-Star Game.

“I was not part of the committee. It’s different, but I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see when we get there. It’s different. Of course, every time you make any change, there will be some (backlash). I don’t know what would work, but I won’t do that.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after scoring on a fast break layup against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on March 18, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Ratings for games on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV are down 25% compared to last year. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently suggested that a lack of cable television in homes is one reason.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage of Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.