LeBron James has millions of fans, but he also has millions of haters. That’s the nature of the business when you are a globally recognized athlete. Given his high-profile nature and willingness to be outspoken on certain things, each and every one of James’ moves is analyzed by fans and the media.
So when the Los Angeles Lakers star revealed just hours before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game that he would not be participating, a frenzy began forming. Many saw it coming, but his decision is not sitting well with a lot of his fellow basketball compatriots.
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LeBron James faces backlash for sitting out All-Star Game
Appearing on the TNT pregame show, noted rival Draymond Green mentioned that he wasn’t surprised by James sitting out. But he didn’t like the way James went about it. Former NBA player Jalen Rose felt similarly, calling out James for taking a spot away from another player who could have filled in and actually played. As did Vince Carter.
Although their opinions are certainly warranted and have logic, the NBA also doesn’t want to set a bad precedent by allowing players to just take the All-Star Game off ahead of time and naming a replacement.
The NFL does that for the Pro Bowl, with a litany of players choosing to sit out with “injuries”. It has led to a severe deterioration of the Pro Bowl, something that the NBA doesn’t want to happen.
