For the first time in over two decades, LeBron James will not be participating in the NBA All-Star Game.
The Los Angeles Lakers star James revealed to reporters just over 90 minutes before scheduled tip-off on Sunday that he will not be playing in the All-Star Game. James cited “ankle and foot discomfort” for his absence.
“You won’t see anything from me tonight,” said James. “Unfortunately, I will not be in uniform. Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight unfortunately [and] I hate that.”
You can watch his full comments below.
The four-time NBA MVP James has appeared in 48 of 52 games for the Lakers this season and just logged 34 minutes in a loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. But he has been managing a left foot injury (officially termed by the Lakers as “soreness”) throughout the year. Now James will be watching this year’s All-Star Game from the sidelines on Sunday as a result.
You have to go all the way back to 2004 for the last time that James did not participate in the NBA All-Star Game. He failed to make the team as a rookie for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003-04 but has done so 21 straight times since then and appeared in all 20 of those All-Star games that have been played to date.
James’ absence comes in the wake of the NBA deciding to switch up the format for this year’s All-Star Game to an unconventional new set-up. While many may have been looking forward to seeing James taking part in all of that new pizazz, he will instead be riding the bench in street clothes while it happens.
