Download our Free Mobile App!
Get a better and more comprehensive user experience

Download
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024-2025 regular season
    • 2024 preseason
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Get a better and more comprehensive user experience

Download
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024-2025 regular season
    • 2024 preseason
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > NBA Commissioner David Stern Wants to Change Age Rule
Lakers News

NBA Commissioner David Stern Wants to Change Age Rule

Ryan Ward
Published: 04/04/2012
3 Min Read
SHARE

Currently in the NBA, the age rule for incoming players is set at 19-years-old. With this rule, no players are allowed to come directly out of high school straight to the pros. As a result, these talented young players must make a decision to play overseas, commit to a college program or play in the NBA Developmental League.

If this rule was around in years past, players like Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Kevin Garnett, Shawn Kemp, Moses Malone, Tracy McGrady, LeBron James and Dwight Howard might have ended up with different teams in the NBA, and therefore completely different careers.

This new age requirement began in 2005, but it appears it might be coming to an end with NBA Commissioner David Stern considering a change. Even though most people believe that the rule should go back to allowing players right out of high school, Stern believes the league should add another year via Associated Press:

“We would love to add a year, but that’s not something that the players’ association has been willing to agree to,” Stern said Tuesday.

“Our rule is that they won’t be eligible for the draft until they’re 19. They can play in Europe, they can play in the D-League, they can go to college. This is a not a social program, this is a business rule for us. The NFL has a rule which requires three years of college. So the focus is often on ours, but it’s really not what we require in college.”

With David Stern already rubbing people around the league the wrong way with the extended NBA lockout and the Chris Paul, Lakers trade, which was vetoed before the beginning of the season, the NBA Commissioner might make even more people angry with this statement. Even though Stern does favor adding another year, the longtime NBA Commissioner is on his way out at this point in his career after publicly saying that he might be around for just two more seasons.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
ByRyan Ward
Follow:
Ryan Ward is a Reporter/Editor and shares duties of being a Social Media Manager on a daily basis at Lakers Nation. As a credentialed member of the media, Ryan covers Lakers home games, press conferences as well as interviewing players from both the NBA and NFL. A Los Angeles native, but born and bred in the UK. Long-suffering Raiders fan and a Liverpool supporter since birth.

Should the Lakers consider trading Austin Reaves to bolser the roster?

Poll ends in 11 days • Vote below
  • Yes, explore all trade possibilities
  • No, keep him as a valuable team asset
  • Only trade if the return is significant
  • Assess his recovery before making a decision
439 votes
•
0 comments
v.11.1.6
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?