LeBron James announced Sunday that he would not participate in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game due to ongoing discomfort in his left foot and ankle. The TNT broadcasting crew expressed disappointment in the Los Angeles Lakers star for delaying his decision, which ended his impressive streak of 20 All-Star Game appearances. James revealed that he had hoped to play but ultimately made the call to sit out on Sunday morning. “I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be,” he stated regarding his ankle.
Reporter: “What will we see from you tonight (the NBA All-Star Game)?”
LeBron James: “You won’t see anything from me tonight. Unfortunately, I will not be in uniform tonight. Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort.”
(via @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/YKv3OKB4AX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
The Lakers star also indicated that the team’s renewed prospects for an NBA title, following a trade for Luka Dončić, played a role in his decision. “With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild West, I felt like it was very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what’s coming on [down the stretch],” he explained. While it’s understandable for LeBron to skip the All-Star Game due to his injuries, many TNT broadcasters were frustrated by the late timing of his announcement, especially with the concern over generating excitement for the new All-Star Game format.
Draymond Green: “I think [LeBron James] coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier…”
Vince Carter: “There are a lot of guys who are worthy.”
Jalen Rose: “He took a roster spot from somebody.” #NBA https://t.co/O7qOijgsZN pic.twitter.com/hupGx4NZlT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
“I think Bron coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier,” stated Draymond Green. “There are a lot of guys who are worthy,” added Vince Carter, while Jalen Rose remarked, “He took a roster spot from somebody.” Green’s fellow broadcasters noted that he might have secured that spot had James opted out sooner, with other players like Domantas Sabonis and Devin Booker mentioned as worthy contenders.
The decision’s timing feeds into the narrative for LeBron critics like Skip Bayless, who may view the Lakers star as selfish. Nonetheless, it seems James genuinely sought to make a comeback. Ultimately, how you feel about LeBron might influence your perspective on this situation.
