Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Pictures
It’s been talked about advert nauseam, albeit the purpose is overblown, that the NBA is shedding momentum within the normal cultural zeitgeist. Like each tv broadcast outdoors of the NFL, NBA viewership and scores have decreased in recent times.
However, the commerce that despatched Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis and different property again to the Mavericks has breathed new life into the league. A lot so, that ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins claims the commerce is “saving” the NBA.
Pairing Luka Doncic, one of many league’s 5 largest stars, with LeBron James, the league’s largest star even on the age of 40, is clearly going to be a giant draw. And, doing it on the Los Angeles Lakers, the league’s marquee crew (sorry, Celtics followers) goes to make it an excellent larger draw.
Kendrick Perkins claims that the commerce is “saving” the league, which is a little bit of hyperbole for a league that simply signed a $70 billion TV deal.
“Proper now, the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA.” ???? @KendrickPerkins is worked up in regards to the potential matchups within the NBA playoffs this season ???? pic.twitter.com/SuUOvPXXdP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 5, 2025
I feel he’s wildly exaggerating. However, it’s actually serving to the thrill across the league. And, it helps much more that the Lakers have been red-hot. They’re 7-2 since Doncic joined the lineup, and LeBron James seems to be rejuvenated. The Lakers seems to be like true title contenders, and from a scores perspective, that may be a bonanza.
Nonetheless, they’re not saving a league that’s richer than ever.
