Lakers star LeBron James was ripped Sunday for depriving another player of a spot in the NBA’s All-Star Game after he pulled out with only a few hours’ notice.
The first anyone knew of James’ decision to sit on the sidelines was when he mentioned he was not suiting up during the press availability just before the game.
Reporter: "What will we see from you tonight (the NBA All-Star Game)?"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
LeBron James: "You won't see anything from me tonight. Unfortunately, I will not be in uniform tonight. Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort."
(via @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/YKv3OKB4AX
The announcement came too late for the league to get another player to fill his spot, meaning the roster was one player short going into the game.
However, James’ sudden decision did not sit well with many because they felt James deprived another player of the opportunity to appear in the big game.
According to TMZ, a list of former players, including Gilbert Arenas, Draymond Green, Vince Carter, and Jalen Rose, even criticized James.
Draymond Green: "I think [LeBron James] coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier..."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 17, 2025
Vince Carter: "There are a lot of guys who are worthy."
Jalen Rose: "He took a roster spot from somebody." #NBA https://t.co/O7qOijgsZN pic.twitter.com/hupGx4NZlT
Arenas, for instance, said LaMelo Ball could have replaced James if James had given everyone more notice.
Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young give their opinions on Lebron and Anthony Edwards sitting out the all star game
— Playback (@WatchPlayback) February 17, 2025
“If you knew you weren't gonna play that could’ve been Lamelo Ball’s spot”
🎥 @GilsArenaShow pic.twitter.com/kvXsMOKRL4
Many fans agreed with the ex-players that James’s late decision not to play took an opportunity away from another deserving player.
He knew he wasn’t going to play. Could’ve stepped aside and let someone else get a shot but he’d never do that.
— Trevor Coon (@T_rashPandada) February 17, 2025
He should have dropped out and let someone else have a chance to be there.
— Jeff McCutcheon (@mcjeff42) February 17, 2025
I can't imagine a player from the 70's 80's or early 90's saying they weren't playing because of "discomfort"
— Courtney Capps (@courtgolf) February 17, 2025
soft
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