Is LeBron James responsible for the increase in television ratings during the 2010-11 NBA season?

While NBA commissioner David Stern thinks so, the Miami Heat forward disagrees.

“I think it’s great,” James said. “Another NBA season, another great year for everyone. Everyone that’s a part of it. You’ve seen fans love the game of basketball once again. So if I had anything to do with it, which I don’t; there’s too many players, there’s so many great players I don’t think individually I had anything to do with it. Just trying to do my part.”

You’re far too modest, LeBron. Read more

This needs to happen. In an interview with Broadcasting & Cable editor-in-chief Ben Grossman, newly minted Boston Celtic Shaquille O’Neal says that when he retires from basketball, he wants his own TV show.

Not a sports show mind you, but a comedy show.

When I asked what he would want to do, he said he has one idea firmly in mind. “Honestly? I would love to do a Dave Chappelle-type show,” he said.

Shaq’s very own sketch comedy show. And he wants to write and act in it. So, network execs, if you think Shaq can bring the funny, here’s your chance to go get him.

As Grossman notes in the column, O’Neal is a seriously funny dude, so a sketch comedy show might actually have a shot at being watchable.

Grossman also asks O’Neal about “The Decision,” the ESPN program starring his former teammate LeBron James:

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