Fans were not pleased with LeBron James for his decision to sit out Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game due to injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers star informed the media that he would be missing the game just hours before the annual event tipped off at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. You can read James’ statement here.
LeBron missing the contest in and of itself is already a big deal. The Akron native had yet to miss an All-Star game since he first earned a selection to participate in 2004. But several fans took issue with the timing of James’ announcement. Many stated that the late notice robbed the NBA of the chance to give the spot to one of several All-Star snubs.
Trae Young and Kyrie Irving both earned nods after being selected as injury replacements for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, respectively. Other former All-Stars such as Devin Booker, LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Maxey, and Domantas Sabonis were some of the players who barely missed the cut.
Los Angeles Clippers veteran Norman Powell was also a popular snub who could have potentially earned his first career All-Star nod.
To make matters worse, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards followed James’ lead and also chose to sit out due to injury. While it’s possible Edwards would have missed the game regardless, seeing James pull out at the 11th hour probably made the T-Wolves guard’s decision a little easier.
LeBron’s absence was just one of many reasons fans several fans dubbed Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game as the worst in its history.
