SAN FRANCISCO — LeBron James expressed his desire to participate in yet another All-Star Game, but unfortunately, his left foot and ankle prevented him from doing so.
Approximately 90 minutes prior to the event on Sunday, James announced that he would not be able to play due to ongoing injury concerns. Throughout the current season, James has frequently been listed on the injury report for the Los Angeles Lakers due to persistent issues with his foot and ankle, which have troubled him for several years.
This marked the first All-Star Game absence for James since 2004, leading to feelings of disappointment. “I hate that,” he remarked.
Originally, James was set to compete for the Shaquille O’Neal drafted team, known as Shaq’s OGs, in this year’s new mini-tournament format for the All-Star competition. Having made his first All-Star appearance in 2005, James has been selected consistently, making this absence notably significant. His missed game would have been his 21st All-Star appearance, extending his record. Additionally, his 21 selections set another league record, alongside his previous streak of 20 consecutive All-Star game starts now being broken.
Without James on the roster, his All-Star team consisted of seven players: Stephen Curry from Golden State, Dallas’ Kyrie Irving, Boston teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, and James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. “I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James explained. He underscored the importance of managing his health as the Lakers push for a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Noting that he wouldn’t describe his decision as simply maintenance, he emphasized his need to be cautious regarding the longstanding injury. James mentioned his intention to return to Los Angeles that night, with rehabilitation set to commence on Monday. “No vacation for me,” he stated.
Currently, his focus remains on participating when the Lakers resume their season against Charlotte, a game rescheduled following wildfires that impacted the Los Angeles region. “I hope to be available on Wednesday,” he shared.
Despite missing the All-Star Game, LeBron James, the oldest player in the league, is still a subject of admiration. He is averaging 24.3 points per game, which is his lowest point average across all All-Star seasons. However, he is also achieving impressive numbers with nine assists and 7.7 rebounds per game, while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. The only players this season meeting or exceeding his averages in those categories are James himself and Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
Cleveland’s coach Kenny Atkinson commented on James’s impressive career, noting, “It’s 21 All-Star games? It’s mind-boggling. LeBron can go to 25 if he wanted to. He could. It’s extraordinary.”
Regarding recent developments, James discussed the Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic through a trade with Dallas earlier in the month. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential blending of their talents, saying, “Just the excitement of being able to add a caliber player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise, it’s something that’s given me energy.” He looks forward to what they can achieve together.
Lastly, when asked about the NBA’s dunk contest, which he has never participated in, James affirmed that his feelings on this matter have not changed as he approaches the end of his career. Despite other stars expressing interest in partaking in the event, James conveyed, “There’s no part of me that has regrets about not doing it.” He acknowledged having moments where he contemplated participating, but various circumstances, including injuries, led to missed opportunities.
