One of the many criticisms around the 2025 NBA All-Star Game was the notable absence of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, which became a topic of conversation on Tuesday’s edition of Run it Back on FanDuel TV. Just hours before the tournament-style All-Star Game was set to begin, James announced he would not be competing due to a lingering foot and ankle injury.
While injuries often lead to players being unable to participate, it’s typical for them to withdraw well in advance, allowing the league to find a suitable replacement. James’ sudden decision, however, left the league without time to adjust, raising questions about his willingness to compete, particularly since his first game would have been against the Rising Stars Team, which some players, like Draymond Green, have argued has no place in the event.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons suggested that James might not have wanted to face the Rising Stars, calling out the hypocrisy of his situation, especially considering that he has played a role in propelling his son, Bronny James, into the NBA. “Here is the problem I have with this in particular when we’re talking about LeBron James not wanting to play against Rising Stars. All these other NBA players have to play against his son because LeBron has kinda put him in that situation. He’s a rising star. So what’s the difference now? He doesn’t want to play against the young guys, but everyone else has to play against his son,” Parsons stated.
Michelle Beadle, known for her critical stance on LeBron, supported Parsons’ remarks. In contrast, Lou Williams viewed LeBron’s absence from the All-Star Game and Bronny’s role in the NBA as “completely different.” “Completely different, completely different,” Williams insisted, to which Beadle responded, “How is it different? Because those young guys deserve to be there.”
Williams retorted, “What is he taking away from anybody? He isn’t taking away from anybody. Bronny isn’t taking away anything from anybody.” Beadle replied, “But Lou, Chandler is saying the league and players in the league have basically been forced to indulge LeBron’s family dream and have Bronny be there. Which is fine, we have accepted it. But he couldn’t be bothered to give anybody a heads-up notice more than 30 minutes before the game starts so that somebody else can be in there. If it is because you don’t want to play against the Rising Stars, that is a little hypocritical.”
“The problem I have with LeBron James not wanting to play against the Rising Stars is all these other NBA players have to play against his son…
Would he have played if Bronny James was a Rising Star?” @ChandlerParsons doesn’t mince words on LeBron’s Sunday night sit out 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vTwOL2eji6
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 17, 2025
As Beadle noted, it’s reasonable to argue that had James informed everyone days in advance about his inability to compete due to his ankle and foot discomfort, another player could have taken his place. Yet, James isn’t the only player sidelined by injury; Anthony Edwards also didn’t compete for Team Kenny and wasn’t replaced on the roster. It seems a bit unjust for Beadle and Parsons to critique James while overlooking Edwards’ similar situation, or to assume that James opted out solely to avoid facing the Rising Stars.
Regardless, both Parsons and Beadle feel that James should have participated since he attended the event on Sunday night, a sentiment that has gained traction among sports media members.
