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.

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)