Subscribe

Log in

Lakers Ratings Justify Extensive Media Coverage, Stats Show

Created on:

By: Mike

Ratings Prove That the Lakers Warrant All the Coverage They Get
© Red94 – Lakers Ratings Justify Extensive Media Coverage, Stats Show

TubiTV Just Hit 200 Million Users – Here’s Why
10 Perfect-Score Shows Buried on Prime Video Right Now

1. Recently, there has been considerable discussion regarding the NBA’s media coverage. Critics point out an excessive focus on popular teams like the Lakers and Warriors, while teams like the Cavaliers (55–10) and Thunder (53–12) receive less attention.

The $3.99 Streaming Service With 500+ Oscar Winners Nobody Knows About
Cancel These 3 Subscriptions Before November 1st – Here’s Why

As mentioned in previous articles, such as last Friday’s discussion on Charles Barkley’s comments and Monday’s piece on Robert Griffin III’s view that debate shows have detrimentally impacted sports media, it’s clear that media is a demand-driven industry. Ultimately, audience interest shapes coverage.

For instance, the recent Lakers-Celtics matchup attracted 4.6 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched non-Christmas Day regular-season game since 2018.

Previously, a 2018 Pacers-Lakers game held the record with 4.58 million viewers, peaking during the finale of the 2023 in-season tournament. The highest viewership this season was on Christmas Day, with 7.9 million tuning in to see the Lakers versus the Warriors.

Also noteworthy was the Lakers-Mavericks game featuring Luka Doncic’s first game against his former team, which drew 2.5 million viewers on TNT, marking it as the most-watched non-Christmas game of the season at that time, following Opening Night.

On the other hand, a recent Thunder game against the Nuggets on a Sunday afternoon attracted 1.87 million viewers on ABC, while the subsequent Suns-Mavericks game garnered 2.03 million viewers, highlighting the varying national appeal of these teams.

What does this data indicate?

While some may disapprove of the extensive coverage the Lakers receive, it’s undeniable that they generate significant viewer interest. The desire to focus on underrepresented teams like the Cavs and Thunder is understandable, yet it does not align with the business aspect of sports, which prioritizes profitability.

2. Apologies in advance for being a bit of a downer, but this needs to be said.

Last night, Tyrese Haliburton excited NBA fans with a spectacular game-tying three-pointer against the Bucks, which became a four-point play, clinching a 115–114 victory for Indiana.

First, it was not a foul on Giannis.

Second, TNT’s Reggie Miller’s comment about the shot’s difficulty was exaggerated. The difficulty was evident to all viewers, which is why the play went viral on social media.

Nonetheless, credit is due to Haliburton, who not only made the shot but also showcased sneakers honoring WWE’s Degeneration X and engaged with Triple H on social media following the thrilling victory.

3. Here’s Stephen A. Smith’s response after a recent encounter with LeBron James.

Smith, who initially did not want to discuss the issue, has since repeatedly commented on it, most recently sharing his thoughts on Gilbert Arenas’s podcast.

4. This was an intense exchange on Inside the NBA last night.

5. West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez has implemented a unique strategy to improve his team’s image: prohibiting them from posting dance videos on TikTok. While he’s not banning the use of TikTok entirely, he’s specifically restricting players from dancing on the platform.

Rodriguez explained, “They’re going to be on it, so I’m not banning them from it. I’m just banning them from dancing on it. It’s like, look, we try to maintain a tough image, and dancing in your tights on TikTok doesn’t really fit the image we want for our program.”

As I’ve repeatedly said since starting a daily column for SI many years ago: Football coaches are some of the most eccentric people in the world.

6. I’m planning a mailbag session later this week, so please send any questions you might have. You can reach out through social media or email them directly to [email protected].

Additionally, I’m now sharing this column and podcast daily on BlueSky for those who wish to follow there.

7. The latest episode of SI Media With Jimmy Traina features a discussion with The Ringer’s editor-at-large, Bryan Curtis, covering the latest in sports media news.

We delve into topics such as ESPN discontinuing Around the Horn after 23 years, the future of its host Tony Reali, Jimmy Johnson’s retirement from Fox NFL Sunday, the failed negotiation between Hard Knocks and the University of North Carolina with Bill Belichick, and the implications of the MLB-ESPN split for both entities.

Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York joins the conversation for our weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week, we discuss Luka Doncic’s influence on the Lakers, the surprising heel turn by John Cena, and Sal’s recent trip to Disney World. The segment rounds off with my responses to Apple reviews for the SI Media With Jimmy Traina.

You can listen to the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast below or on Apple and Spotify.

You can also watch SI Media With Jimmy Traina on Sports Illustrated’s YouTube channel.

8. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: It’s been 19 years since Uncle Junior shot Tony in one of the most unforgettable scenes in Sopranos history.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify, or Google. You can also follow Jimmy on X and Instagram.


Leave a Comment