We are listening’: LeBron James responds to fans’ criticism of the current state of the NBA

The current 2024-25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season has come under criticism from fans for the poor quality of play on offer, ranging from a lack of physicality to an overreliance on shooting three-pointers.

Despite the presence of league icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and a plethora of superstars from Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Anthony Edwards, the league has also come under fire for the poor NBA All-Star Game and the lack of effort shown by players on the court.

LeBron James is listening to the complaints of the fans, and in a recent episode of his podcast “Mind the Game” with NBA legend Steve Nash, he admitted that the fans’ voices are heard—but warned that the league is constantly evolving.

“Fans, I want you guys to know that we are listening—we hear you. We are always trying to make sure that the game of basketball is viewed from your perspective and that you love the product. We’re always trying to figure out ways to get better. But the game changes. The conversation about ‘I wish the game was like this’—it’s too far gone to even think about those things. It’s impossible. Everything changes,” LeBron stated.

“The game is beautiful, man. And we have to just evolve with it. Just like how we do in everyday life—we have to evolve with life. We also have to evolve with sports and the sport that we love, whatever that sport is. That’s the beauty of being able to understand, respect, and appreciate where the game comes from—and also be able to understand and appreciate where it is today,” he added.

Today’s game demands sharp reads and instant responses. pic.twitter.com/viGSXjL7HH

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 21, 2025

There is no doubt that the game has evolved and is vastly different from the 1980s, 1990s, and even the early 2000s when many fans grew up watching the NBA. However, it’s important to note that the level of skill and athleticism today is arguably greater than that of previous eras.

Meanwhile, LeBron has remained relatively quiet about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers following the conclusion of their 2024-25 season. James has yet to decide whether he will exercise his player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. The 40-year-old currently has the opportunity to return to the court for his 23rd season, which would allow him to break the record he currently shares with NBA legend Vince Carter.

Despite being 40, James continued to perform at an elite level during the 2024-25 season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game—easily emerging as the Lakers’ best player. However, concerns remain over the superstar’s fitness as he approaches 41 in December, although his experience and skill set keep him a formidable competitor.

It is understood that the potential addition of Luka Dončić could factor into James’ decision regarding his future with the franchise. The Slovenian star will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Lakers in August, and it will be interesting to see what LeBron ultimately decides.

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