News

LeBron James Slams Idea Of NBA One-And-Done Play-In Tourney For Playoffs: It’s ‘Wack’ And ‘Corny’

LeBron James has stated he is opposed to changing the NBA’s playoff structure, amid rumors the league could alter this.

LeBron James Comments One-and-Done Play-In Tourney

The veteran player said he sincerely hopes the NBA takes on a play-in tournament with one-and-done results.

“No, no, no,” James said Wednesday. “That’s wack. That’s wack. Why? No consolation for finishing last. That’s corny. That’s corny. That’s wack. To play for what? What are they playing for?”

The King added that teams should have to “earn” their place to reach the playoffs.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The one-and-done rule is a provision of the NBA’s 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement that required all potential league draftees to be at least 19 years old and at least one year out of high school.

Then-NBA commissioner David Stern championed the provision, which was intended to protect unprepared high school players from the difficult professional transition — while also supposedly giving NBA teams a better opportunity to evaluate potential recruits on the college stage.

James said the eight teams in each conference that hold the best record at the end of the 82-game regular season should be guaranteed a playoff spot, without needing any further qualification. The King said the playoff field should not be expanded that way.

“[Make the playoffs by winning the tournament], even if my record is better than yours? Nah, that’s wack,” James said.

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers argues after being ejected in the second half by referee Kane Fitzgerald #5 while playing the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena on November 28, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 108-97. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Diontae Johnson Excited To Move From Panthers To Ravens, Could Help In Playoff Push

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly settling in well with the Baltimore Ravens after the…

12 hours ago

What Happened To Aaron Judge? After Yankees Fall Short In World Series, Fans Are Asking Questions

Aaron Judge seemed to flip the script on his disastrous World Series and postseason with…

12 hours ago

As The Yankees Collapse In World Series, Free Agency Battle For Juan Soto Begins

The New York Yankees' 2024 season came to a screeching halt Wednesday night when the…

2 days ago

Dodgers Win World Series In Game 5, Yankees Blow Five-Run Lead In Disastrous Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win…

2 days ago

Brad Pitt Makes Surprise Appearance At Mexican Grand Prix To Shoot His Movie, ‘F1’

https://youtu.be/Y69VZZt9rt4 Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance at the Mexican Grand Prix’s practice round on Oct. 26.…

2 days ago

76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to…

3 days ago