LeBron James Misses NBA All-Star Game, Ending 20-Year Streak of Starts
LeBron James had hoped to play in another All-Star Game, but his left foot and ankle injuries prevented it.
About 90 minutes before the game on Sunday, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader announced that he couldn’t participate, citing ongoing issues with his injuries. James has frequently appeared on the Los Angeles Lakers’ injury report this season due to his foot and ankle problems, which have been a persistent issue for years.
For the first time since 2004, an All-Star Game took place without James. “I hate that,” James commented.
James was set to play for Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs, a team drafted by Shaq for this year’s mini-tournament format. James’ first All-Star Game was in 2005, and he had been selected every year since, so Sunday’s game would have marked his 21st appearance, extending his own record. His 21 selections are another record, as is his previously unbroken streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts.
James wasn’t replaced on his team’s roster, leaving seven players: Stephen Curry of Golden State, Kyrie Irving of Dallas, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of Boston, Kevin Durant of Phoenix, Damian Lillard of Milwaukee, and James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I was hoping it would feel better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James said. “With 30 games left and our playoff push in the wild West, I need to take care of myself and focus on what’s ahead.”
“I wouldn’t call it maintenance, but it is,” he continued. “I have to look after myself with this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”
James planned to return to Los Angeles that night to continue his rehab on Monday.
“No vacation for me,” he added.
James hopes to play when the Lakers resume their schedule on Wednesday against Charlotte, a game rescheduled due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
“I hope to be available on Wednesday,” James said.
Despite sitting out Sunday’s game, James, at nearly 40 years old, continues to impress. He is averaging 24.3 points per game, his lowest at the break of any of his 21 All-Star seasons. That said, he’s also posting 9 assists (the second-highest pre-All-Star average of his career), 7.7 rebounds, and shooting nearly 40% on three-pointers.
The only other player with at least 24.3 points, 9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds this season? Nikola Jokic of Denver.
“21 All-Star games? It’s mind-boggling,” Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “LeBron could reach 25 if he wanted to. Every time we play him, we ask, ‘How is he still getting better?’”
James Discusses Lakers’ Addition of Luka
The Lakers traded for Luka Doncic earlier this month, and James is still processing how the new superstar duo will work together.
“Adding a player of Luka’s caliber, a generational talent, to our team has given me energy,” James said. “I’m excited to see what we can do. If he continues to get in form, we could be really good down the stretch. But we’ll see.”
No Regrets About Dunk Contest
James was never part of the NBA’s dunk contest and doesn’t anticipate it happening in the final years of his career.
After Mac McClung’s third straight dunk title on Saturday, stars like Ja Morant, Zach LaVine, and Giannis Antetokounmpo mentioned considering participation in future contests.
“There’s no regret on my part for not doing it,” James said. “I had moments when I thought about it, but it never worked out due to injuries or other reasons.”