Patrick Bet-David went on an absolute tirade against LeBron James during a recent episode of his podcast, accusing the four-time NBA champion of ruining the league, being the biggest drama queen in sports history, and even claiming that LeBron has destroyed NBA viewership.
His comments, however, were met with significant pushback, as they seemed more like a personal attack rather than a fair critique of LeBron’s impact on the game.
“I think there was another take that Stephen A. did where he said this is really about LeBron—it’s not about his son. It’s really about you, not about your son. And I agree with him. This is about LeBron, not his son.”
“LeBron wants a certain kind of immunity that maybe other players haven’t had. Guys are getting called out for how they play, but he was able to get certain favors to get his son to play. I’m very comfortable with what Stephen A. has said in calling him out, and I double down on it.”
“LeBron James will go down as the greatest flopper of all time. There are so many different arguments being made right now about this guy. To me, he destroyed the league. He destroyed viewership. He lost half the fans that were watching him.”
“The last two All-Star Games, including the one he played in, were the least-viewed All-Star Games in God knows when—maybe even before MJ entered the NBA. Since he entered the league in 2003, viewership has dropped over 50%.”
“This is a guy who is the biggest drama queen superstar in the history of any sport we’ve ever had… He is the biggest crybaby of all superstars of all time.”
Bet-David, in a fiery rant, backed up Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of LeBron, arguing that LeBron is making the story about himself rather than his son. But he didn’t stop there. He proceeded to label LeBron “the greatest flopper of all time” and “the biggest crybaby of all superstars in sports history.”
This, quite frankly, is an outlandish take that lacks factual support. While the All-Star Game ratings have indeed plummeted, blaming LeBron alone is ridiculous.
The decline of the All-Star Game is the result of an entire generation of superstars not taking the event seriously, leading to a product that lacks competitiveness and excitement. This isn’t a LeBron problem—it’s an NBA problem.
If LeBron James had truly “destroyed the league,” as Bet-David claims, then why has the NBA’s revenue increased exponentially over the last two decades?
When LeBron entered the league in 2003, the NBA’s total revenue was around $3 billion.
In the 2023-24 season, the league generated approximately $11.6 billion in revenue, setting a new record. The league’s valuation has soared under Adam Silver’s leadership, with franchise values skyrocketing to new heights.
If LeBron was such a detriment to the NBA, as Bet-David suggests, why are team owners cashing in on record-breaking valuations? Why are networks still paying billions for TV rights? The idea that LeBron has hurt the NBA is simply nonsense.
Statistically, LeBron is breaking records at an unprecedented rate. He’s the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and, just passed the 50K mark. His durability and longevity remain unmatched, and even at 40 years old, he is still averaging over 25 points per game while competing at an elite level.
The biggest issue with Bet-David’s rant is that he’s not an NBA analyst—he’s a political commentator. His criticism of LeBron feels more like an attack on LeBron’s off-court activism rather than a well-reasoned basketball debate.
Yes, LeBron has flopped at times. Yes, he has had moments where he complained to referees. But is that enough to say he “destroyed the league?” Absolutely not. His impact on and off the court has been monumental, inspiring a generation of athletes, increasing global viewership, and making basketball more accessible than ever.
Patrick Bet-David is entitled to his opinion, but this was not an analysis—it was a hit job on a player who has given everything to the game. The reality is simple: LeBron James isn’t ruining the NBA. He’s one of the main reasons the league is bigger than ever.
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