Hours before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, LeBron James, the superstar of the LA Lakers, informed reporters that he would not take the court for the evening’s festivities.
LeBron says that he will NOT be playing in the All-Star game tonight due to ankle and foot discomfort pic.twitter.com/wKzF8B7i72
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2025
They went up to LeBron and was like “we ready to play in the all star game” and Bron was like pic.twitter.com/qYJGZxDaC1
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) February 17, 2025
This announcement sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
On a recent episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith criticized the players for what he deemed the embarrassing nature of the 2025 All-Star Game and highlighted LeBron’s decision to sit out as particularly notable.
Even analysts known for their admiration of LeBron, such as ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe and Kendrick Perkins, chimed in with criticism. Sharpe expressed his dissatisfaction: “I did not agree with LeBron’s decision, to show up late and not play in this ball game. If you are not going to play, give someone else an opportunity to fill that spot… He knew he wasn’t going to play.”
Perkins shared a similar perspective: “Am I mad about ‘Bron not playing? No, I get it, he’s 40. But I’m mad about how he went about it. Also, put your damn uniform on.”
Former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young weighed in as well, emphasizing that the absence of LeBron and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards was a missed opportunity for other deserving players. “If y’all motherf***ers knew you wasn’t playing, that could’ve been LaMelo Ball, or somebody else that got snubbed.”
Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young give their opinions on Lebron and Anthony Edwards sitting out the all star game
“If you knew you weren’t gonna play that could’ve been Lamelo Ball’s spot”
🎥 @GilsArenaShow pic.twitter.com/kvXsMOKRL4
— Playback (@WatchPlayback) February 17, 2025
It’s apparent that LeBron’s absence did not sit well with fans, as well as NBA commissioner Adam Silver, especially given the All-Star Game’s intent to rejuvenate its vibe this year.
Notably, LeBron was absent even from the pre-game photo shoots, opting for street clothes while posing alongside fellow stars like James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.
Yall know the real reason LeBron not playing at the all star game tonight right ?? Look closer 👀 pic.twitter.com/barhDtv8o4
— Dreamer (@gntcx) February 17, 2025
Overall, there seems to be a consensus that LeBron’s last-minute withdrawal, attributed to “ankle/foot soreness,” left a sour taste among fans who felt he should have provided prior notice. Many argued that the opportunity could have been better allocated to deserving players such as Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, Clippers’ Norman Powell, Hornets’ LaMelo Ball, and Suns’ Devin Booker.
As a lifelong NBA fan this is the lowest of low in the history of the sport. You have NHL players out there throwing hands in exhibition games less than 24 hours ago and you have your biggest star sitting out?? He is single-handedly responsible for the state of NBA basketball.😞 https://t.co/2XNRQ715Bw
— Cerrone Battle (@Cerrone_Battle) February 17, 2025
Given the new game format emphasizing a target score of 40, one might wonder whether this played a role in LeBron’s decision not to participate, as some fans speculated about the implications for his statistics.
LeBron found out he wouldn’t be able to stat pad so he decided not to play in the all star game
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) February 17, 2025
