The NBA’s 2024-25 season may have been packed with thrilling games, but it didn’t quite hit the mark regarding viewership. Unfortunately, the ratings took a notable dip compared to past seasons, raising eyebrows. Various players, analysts, and former athletes have questioned why this could happen. Interestingly, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James suggested that the surge in three-point attempts might play a role in this decline.
American podcaster Bill Simmons offered an intriguing take on this season’s ratings during a lively episode of The Ringer. He sparked quite the debate by proposing that James and Stephen Curry are both part of the solution and the challenge regarding the NBA’s current viewership issues.
“There’s been so much what’s wrong with the NBA stuff. The Steph LeBron thing last night was the solution and the problem at the same time. Because it was the same thing for the Olympics too, right? It was awesome watching those guys. Hey, the old guys, look at it, they still got it,” Simmons said.
"The fact that the Steph-LeBron game was so good … is actually kind of part of the problem."@BillSimmons explains how the Lakers-Warriors Christmas Day matchup is both the current solution—and problem—for the NBA. pic.twitter.com/GhM6F4TXcy
— The Ringer (@ringer) December 27, 2024
James and Curry faced off in the highly anticipated matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. It was an exciting game, with the Warriors securing a thrilling victory, finishing with a final score of 115-113.
Simmons Highlights The Neglect Of Rising Talent Amidst James And Curry’s Dominance
The competition between James and Curry during the Lakers vs. Warriors game drew impressive numbers, averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking at 8.32 million viewers at 10:30 p.m. ET. However, Simmons argues that this focus on veteran stars overshadows emerging young talents’ potential.
“OKC wasn’t on Christmas Day. Giannis wasn’t on Christmas Day. Wemby was buried at the beginning of the day and this is like you’re kind of doing this to yourself but at the same time I get it because Steph and LeBron was awesome. You could go glass half full, glass half empty on it, but the fact that the Steph-LeBron game was so good and sucked up so much oxygen from the day is actually kind of part of the problem,” Simmons said in the same podcast.
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Simmons highlights that the NBA prioritizes superstars like James and Curry at the expense of promising players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama, who deserve more recognition.
Also Read: LeBron James Puts Nike On Blast For The NBA Christmas Day Jerseys
