LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James, who is set to turn 40 in the next week, feels something had to change given the number of three-pointers attempted by the players.

James is set to become the NBA’s all-time leader in regular-season minutes when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings. 

“It’s not just the All-Star Game. It’s our game in general,” James said. “There’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also shed light on the criticism, which has been aimed at the increase in 3-point attempts.

“The answer is yes, [we are having] many discussions about the style of basketball [being played],” Silver said. “I would not reduce it to a so-called 3-point shooting issue. I think we look more holistically at the skill level on the floor, the diversity of the offense, the fan reception to the game, all of the above.”

Meanwhile, the 24 All-Stars selected will be divided into teams of eight and a fourth team of eight will consist of players from the Rising Stars game on Friday night.

Anthony Davis said, “I don’t really like it,” when asked about the format change, but James sounded more open to it.

Last year, a total of 397 points were scored by two teams in the All-Star game

“Something had to change,” James said.

“We’ll see, we’ll see when we get there,” he continued. “It’s different. Obviously anytime you make some type of change it’s going to be some buck back. I don’t know. I mean, I have my ideas of what could possibly work. … You got to do something. Obviously, the last couple of years have not been a great All-Star Game that Sunday night.”

The Lakers currently have a 15-12 record in the ongoing NBA season.