For the first time since 2004, LeBron James did not play in the NBA All-Star Game Sunday night.
A Western Conference All-Star selection, James was set to play for Team Shaq’s OGs, the team that won the inaugural round-robin tournament at the annual midseason event. However, about two hours before tipoff, James announced he would not play due to lingering issues with his left foot and ankle.
“I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be,” James said, via ESPN.
James, who appeared in every NBA All-Star Game for the last 20 seasons before this year, earned some criticism for announcing his decision so late. As a result, no replacement could be named.
He took additional heat for not wearing his All-Star jersey for the Team OGs picture, opting for street clothes instead.
lebron could have just worn the jersey for the photo pic.twitter.com/ZfeUEDGsM5
— cleo ❀ (@f1eclerc) February 17, 2025
“Ok what else did I miss: -Takes a spot on the all star roster -Says his ankle hurts and isn’t going to play -Then can’t even be bothered to put the uniform on for the pictures Ladies and Gentlemen: Lebron James,” said poker legend Daniel Negreanu.
“LeBron could’ve put a jersey on though,” a second person said.
“I love LeBron but at least put your jersey on.. this is an iconic photo that could have been that much better,” a third person said.
“at least wear your jersey lebron for the sake of group photo,” a fourth person added.
“I feel like LeBron should have been wearing the All-Star jersey for the photo. He’s injured and can’t play. That’s a separate story. But it’s still a TEAM photo. What’s the point of the photo if one guy isn’t even wearing the team jersey?” chimed in radio host Scott Reichel.
Sure, LeBron could have put on the jersey. At the end of the day though, this isn’t that big of a deal.
As others have pointed out, he’s not the first injured player to wear street clothes in an All-Star team picture. He likely won’t be the last either.
James told reporters he is hoping to be good to go when the Lakers resume regular season play against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
“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],” James said.