It always seems to happen around LeBron, when things aren’t going well: [https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/lebron-james-again-hints-at-desire-for-roster-upgrades.html](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/lebron-james-again-hints-at-desire-for-roster-upgrades.html)
I don’t necessarily blame the player, because (a.) he’s not wrong, and (b.) he’s just answering the question.
But if the media is just hunting for controversy, sooner or later some writer will make a mountain out of a molehill. Not Marc Stein or Landon Thomas, but possibly a Tim MacMahon (ESPN), Mike Fisher or Dalton Trigg (SI), Brad Townsend or Callie Caplan (DMN), if there are clicks to be had, and the Mavs don’t show continual progress in building a contender, adding pieces, making moves, etc.
Curious if you think it benefits a local outlet, because even if they get more clicks and sell more ads on the controversy, what good does it do their paper if it alienates the superstar or makes him leery of answering questions?
Dirk never seemed to draw that kind of controversy, but he played in a different era where player empowerment wasn’t yet the big deal it is today. Luka doesn’t seem the type to throw his front office under the bus, but it would help if the media would stop with this line of questioning, don’t you think? (“Are you happy with the moves your front office has made?” … “How is the roster?” etc.)
The European reporters rarely seem to ask Luka these type of pointed questions, which makes me wonder if this is some uniquely American thing where there is no shame in inviting controversy if it makes money.
by HotsHartley
5 Comments
Who tf is Landon Thomas ?
To your last point
As a non American, this definitely isn’t an American thing, happens a lot in ⚽ aswell
I’d say 80% fan drivin, 10% player/agent, 5% franchise, 5% media…media is happy to talk about nonsense.
I think everyday of the year, most of our newspapers/online news outlets gossip about football transfers, contracts, player happiness, manager sackings etc. in the EPL.
It can be annoying but overall it promotes engagement and strengthens the product.
the media’s job is creating talks. they’re just doing their job. whether it’s a good or bad job is up to discussion
about trade rumors specifically, yeah, of course they’ll benefit the media. people loooove what ifs and scenarios. LeBron has fans all over the league, who wouldn’t love the possibility of one of your favourite superstars moving to your favourite team?
think about the average sport viewers. they don’t care/know if it’s nuanced or not. there are a lot of casual fans out there who don’t follow the league closely enough (or whatever reason) to filter the good reliable info from the noise.
about superstars not wanting to answer questions, if a superstar gets annoyed and reacts about a (dump) question, then it’ll make headlines. reporters often don’t care if the questions put them in a bad rap, being dumb or whatever. traffic is traffic, controversy creates more traffic than normal, sane and profound, thought-provoking conversations.
that’s why hot heads like Stephen A. are still doing well, and I’m kinda worried for JJ Reddick’s future at ESPN lol
not related but I’m still mad at MacMahon for putting words into KP’s mouth about him being upset and overshadowed by Luka while KP said nothing of the sort. Tim I know you’re lurking here sometimes. do better.