Just few hours prior to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, while speaking to reporters, LA Lakers superstar LeBron James let it be known that he would not be out there on the court.
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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
Certainly, many people had a lot to say about this.
On Monday's episode of First Take, Stephen A Smith put the blame on the players when talking about how embarrassing the 2025 All-Star game was with the new format.
And this included talking about 21x LeBron James being in street clothes and not playing.
Even ESPN analysts Shannon Sharpe and Kendrick Perkins, who are both known to be staunch supporters of the NBA's all-time leading scorer, ridiculed LeBron.
"I did not agree with LeBron's decision, to show up late and not play in this ball game," Sharpe said. "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 echoed that same sentiment, "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 stars Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young also expressed their thoughts on LeBron and Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards both not playing in the game.
"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
Certainly fans and even NBA commissioner Adam Silver was presumably not happy to see the face of the league not playing, as the sole focus of this year's All-Star Game was to revitalize the event.
To point out, LeBron didn't even dress up for the photo shoots, as he was seen in street clothes, while posing next to fellow OG All-Stars, 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
All in all, everyone seems to agree that LeBron backing out last minute "with ankle/foot soreness," was not the way to go about it, as fans believe he should have at least given a heads up.
There were many deserving replacement players that could have been given a spot on the roster, such as: Kings' Domantas Sabonis, Clippers' Norman Powell, Hornets' LaMelo Ball, and Suns' Devon 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
In view of the new rules, playing up to a target score of 40, LeBron didn't miss an exciting All-Star Game. That is, some may question if that was a part of the reason why he did not suit up.
Lebron found out he wouldnt be able to stat pad so he decided not to play in the all star game
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) February 17, 2025
Related: Fans React To 'Worst NBA All-Star Game Of All Time'
