Video: Lakers’ LeBron James Talks WCBB’s Rise of Popularity, Rips CBB Transfer Portal

zach bacharContributor IApril 9, 2024

Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James discussed the rising popularity of women’s college basketball and the transfer portal’s effect on men’s basketball.

On the latest Mind the Game podcast with former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick, James explained that women’s basketball stars staying in college and playing at the same school for multiple years allows fanbases to connect with them on a deeper level compared to the men’s game.

“In the women’s game, you have the ability to build your legacy and build your rapport and brand with that fanbase, with that community,” James said, referencing Iowa’s Caitlin Clark as well as former college standouts such as Candace Parker and Kelsey Plum (1:55 mark).

“You’re watching these girls year after year after year continue to grow,” he added.

Players must graduate from a four-year college or university to declare for the WNBA draft, which must take place either before the draft or within a three-month period afterwards. Players must also be turning 22 years old during the calendar year in which the draft is held, leading to many staying in college and allowing fans to become familiar with them.

With NIL deals, top players have also been able to earn money despite not playing in a professional league. In the latest NIL evaluations from On3.com, Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese ranked No. 4 and No. 8 among college athletes across the country respectively.

When discussing men’s college basketball, James referenced the large amount of transfers that haven’t allowed supporters to “keep up” with them.

“The obvious one, to me, is the transfer portal. There’s too many guys that are leaving colleges, leaving programs, and it’s just hard to keep up with a lot of guys,” the four-time MVP said (0:52 mark).

James also brought up the NBA draft, as college players can enter the process after just one year. While this allows prospects to begin their professional careers earlier, it also prevents top players from establishing themselves at a collegiate level compared to the women’s game.