LeBron James has always looked forward to giving fans a show in the NBA All-Star Game but the King is reportedly a no-go for Sunday night’s exhibition in San Francisco.
According to the NBA on TNT, the 21-time All-Star will not be participating in tonight’s game due to “ankle and foot discomfort.”
James had appeared in 20 straight years of All-Star festivities prior to being a late scratch for this weekend’s event.
LeBron James will not be playing in tonight’s All-Star game due to ankle and foot discomfort. pic.twitter.com/Cc0cmOx6uu
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025
Fans were pretty disappointed to say the least.
“He couldn’t have said something sooner to give someone else a spot?” a user asked.
“This is why the NBA is losing viewership,” another said.
“He should’ve been said this and let somebody else get that spot,” a fan replied.
“Lebron knew he wasn’t going to play in this game – he could have let everyone know so they could have replaced him,” another person posted. “Norman Powell was in the 3-point shootout last night – see if he is still in town.”
“Waiting till an hour before it starts is classic LeBron,” another user laughed. “Buddy loves the attention.”
“Bro it’s not a real game just jog for 2 minutes and chuck up a couple threes.”
“What a pompous [expletive] this guy is!” another fan exclaimed. “He knew he wasn’t going to play but instead of letting another deserving player get a chance he takes up a roster spot and leaves his team short handed.”
LeBron’s absence is just another blow to what’s been a dying game for years at this point. Hopefully the new format can give it some new life even without the King but we’ll see.
Tip-off of the four-team tournament gets started at 8:20 PM ET between Team Kenny and Team Chuck.
Related: The NBA All-Star Game Will Have A Different Format Sunday Night