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Gene Parmesan's avatar

"A nice story" is probably underselling the 2016 playoffs and bringing the 1st title to Cleveland in any sport since 90% their fans have been alive

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Brian H's avatar

Everybody points to the rules of the game (specifically the 3 point shot) as the main reason for the NBA's viewership decline. But the WNBA experienced the greatest increase in interest due to a player who is a long distance bomber in Caitlin Clark.

The main difference between the current NBA and the NBA in the 80s and 90s is the lack of compelling stars that are universally appealing. Clark has it, Jordan had it, even Shaq and Kobe had it in the post Jordan era. I think LeBron for all his greatness as a player is just not that guy.

I think because of Nike's immense power both in the NBA and with the media narratives, LeBron was forcefed as the biggest star in the game to the public even though he was losing over and over again to Steph Curry who is with Under Armour. Curry did and still does have that mass appeal but his star was dimmed by Nike and LeBron.

I think if Curry was treated as more of an equal to LeBron (like how Bird and Magic were promoted) that would have helped Curry, the league, and even LeBron. But Lebron's whole public persona and narrative just seems disingenuous and manufactured, which has hurt both himself and the league. It's only been the last couple years that LeBron has embraced Curry as his equal but it's just too late now.

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