LeBron James has been a mainstay on sports programs throughout his career. And in many ways, his career has mirrored the show's evolution from highlight-driven to discussion-driven.
LeBron has been the face of the NBA through all that time and has been one of the central figures in those discussions for years. For many, the evolution of the show is more of a regression than an evolution, including LeBron.
LeBron, one of the people who watches daily sports TV and has the power to actually change it, took matters into his own hands by starting “Mind the Game” with JJ Redick.
After the Lakers' win over the Pacers on Sunday, LeBron talked about why he started the podcast.
“We've lost the essence of the game of basketball and the real meaning behind the game of basketball and what we're teaching and teaching our youth what the game of basketball really, really means.” I feel like it was,” LeBron said. “I think it was very frustrating to be compared day in and day out, like, who’s better… or how is this going to impact your legacy, or is this player from the ’50s going to be this player?” What if this player from the 50s played in the 2000s? That's not good for young people. Obviously they go to the barbershop to hear that.
“But hearing this game every day on national TV, viewers need a different approach and need to understand the essence of the game and how I fell in love with it.” When you have someone like J.J. who thinks the same way about the game of basketball, is very smart, and is into the game for a good reason. It's something I've been thinking about. JJ was just perfect timing.”
It has long been argued that discussion-driven programs attract more viewers. The barbershop discussions that LeBron mentioned are the only way people enjoy basketball at the cost of actually learning about the game of basketball.
While these topics are moderately fun, making it the only way to discuss basketball doesn't help the game grow. LeBron recognized that and used his huge platform to create a podcast that tells you everything today's sports shows don't, at least through his one episode.
Will it stay like this? Hopefully. Because with an intelligent player like LeBron, getting a chance to get a glimpse of how his brain works and how he sees the game feels like a gift every time.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter. @JacobRude.
