LeBron James drew some blowbacks on Sunday night, 90 minutes before the NBA All-Star Game was set to promise to step in.
The Los Angeles Lakers star said he missed the mini tournament with discomfort in his feet and ankle. It concluded his 20th consecutive All-Star Game appearance streak. The TNT hosts seemed to be appalled at a late decision from James.
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, #23, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, #45, films watch during the skill challenge at the NBA Basketball All-Star Saturday Night Festival in San Francisco on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 I'm preparing to do so. (AP Photo/godofredo A. Vasquez)
“I think Bron Kang Kang helped someone else and said this earlier,” Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green said. Awful announcement.
Former NBA star Jalen Rose added that James “stolen the roster from someone.”
It was the first time James has missed an All-Star Game since 2004. He was scheduled to play for Team Shaquille O'Neill in the new competitive format of the All-Star Game. The team has since been reduced to seven: Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and James Harden.
Mac McClung, who played in the first NBA game this season, won his third straight dunk contest.
The Los Angeles Lakers will speak LeBron James forward at a press conference before the NBA Basketball All-Star Game to be held in San Francisco on Sunday, February 16th, 2025. (AP Photo/godofredo A. Vasquez)
“I've been hoping to feel better this morning, but that's not where I want to,” James said. “And with 30 games left, I'm trying to push the playoffs in the Wild, Wild and West, I think it's very important to take care of yourself and understand what's going on.
“So I'm not saying it's maintenance, but it's maintenance,” he said. “At the same time, I have to look for myself when it comes to this injury I've dealt with for years.”
James said he will resume rehabilitation for his injuries on Monday, and hoped he will play Wednesday when the Lakers return from a break to compete with the Charlotte Hornets.
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Shaq's OGS player Lebron James, #23, is sitting courtside on the streetwear side at Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game, held on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 at San Francisco's Chase Center. (via Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group AP)
He averaged 24.3 points, nine assists and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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