In LeBron James’ latest podcast venture, “Mind the Game,” co-hosted with J.J. Redick, the NBA superstar delves into his dissatisfaction with men’s college basketball across two of the three episodes.

“It does not translate for me,” James said. “It frustrates me. My high blood pressure picks up … so I try to stay away from it.”

James expresses his sentiments amidst his sons’ basketball journeys; Bronny, having completed his freshman year at Southern California, while Bryce is poised to follow suit in college basketball.

While men’s college basketball maintains its popularity, particularly during March Madness, a growing inquiry emerges, particularly among NBA executives who divert attention from scouting men’s players to witness the women’s tournament: Is women’s college basketball more captivating than its male counterpart?

James critiques the men’s game, citing instances of coaches overly managing the shot clock, resulting in a tedious, defensively oriented style of play, often characterized by repetitive trips to the free throw line.

“They always play the game the right way – passing and cutting, sharing the ball. They’re definitely going to get on the floor for loose balls,” James said of NCAA women’s basketball. “But there’s men’s teams that’s doing that as well too at the end of the day. But the star power that we have in the women’s game outweighs some of the men, too.”

Conversely, the women’s game experiences a surge in popularity, buoyed by standout talents like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, and Paige Bueckers, captivating basketball enthusiasts with their prowess.

This newfound appeal transcends individual star power, underscored by the fluidity and creativity evident in offensive sets and execution, distinguishing the women’s game from its male counterpart.

“There’s just more shotmaking than there used to be,” Southern California women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb told USA TODAY Sports. “I have a friend who 10 years ago would say women’s basketball is a game of missed shots and turnovers a lot. So the team that’s the best offensive rebounding team might win or the team that can capitalize. And those times have changed. There’s more shotmaking in women’s basketball, not just hitting open 3s, but literally shot creation and shotmaking.”

Echoing sentiments shared decades ago by legendary UCLA coach John Wooden, who championed the refined basketball showcased by women’s teams, today’s women’s college basketball boasts an unparalleled depth of talent.

“You have this star power, you have a lot of players right now who can make plays and coaches are maybe more willing to let them do that,” said Gottlieb, who spent two years as an assistant in the NBA.

The strategic evolution in women’s basketball, akin to NBA offenses in some instances, diversifies gameplay and fosters increased excitement among viewers.

Comparatively, the men’s game, as evidenced by instances like the UConn-Illinois Elite Eight matchup, can at times descend into a laborious affair, with prolonged scoreless stretches punctuating gameplay.

While neither game is without its flaws, the women’s game showcases a more fluid, up-tempo style, contrasting with the shot clock-reliant offenses and excessive free throw interruptions prevalent in men’s basketball.

Incorporating insights gleaned from her tenure as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James advocates for the adoption of women’s basketball rules, such as four quarters and shorter shot clocks, to enhance the men’s game.

“You certainly have actions and you certainly have patterns, but then you just (let) players go,” Gottlieb said. “I can speak to what I do and how I’ve tried to carry that over. Our players are not afraid to take an early shot. We want them to. And so our best offense by far is when JuJu gets the ball off the rim and just goes in transition. It feels more like the NBA to me.”

Ultimately, the question of whether the women’s game eclipses its male counterpart in entertainment value remains subjective. However, undeniable is the women’s game’s burgeoning popularity, fueled by an engaging style that resonates with basketball enthusiasts, a testament to the coaches, and, above all, the players.