For the first time in his career, LeBron James missed the NBA All-Star Game.
Yesterday, Feb. 16, about 90 minutes before the mini-tournament was scheduled to begin, the Los Angeles Lakers star said that he would not be playing. The reason was because of lingering foot and ankle soreness, and he preferred to focus on being in the lineup on Wednesday, when the Lakers resume their season at home against the Charlotte Hornets.
He was supposed to play for Shaquille O’Neal’s OG team, which was selected by Shaq before Sunday’s game. It would be James’ 21st All-Star Game selection; he was selected every year since his debut in 2005. He set a record by starting 20 straight All-Star Games. In terms of All-Star selections, he also owns the record for most all-time.
James has been a dominant force throughout his NBA All-Star career, earning three All-Star Game MVP awards in 2006, 2008, and 2018. In his first All-Star appearance in 2005, James put the world on notice by tallying 13 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, foreshadowing the beginning of his dominance in these annual showcases. The very next year, which was only his second All-Star game, he would secure the coveted All-Star Game MP.
In the 2006 All-Star Game, James led the Eastern Conference to a 122-120 victory over the Western Conference, contributing 29 points, six rebounds, and two assists. His dynamic play and clutch scoring earned him his first All-Star MVP honor. Two years later, at the 2008 All-Star Game, James once again showcased his all-around skills, recording 27 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. His near triple-double performance propelled the East to a 134-128 win, securing his second MVP award. A decade later, in the 2018 All-Star Game, James demonstrated longevity tallying 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Leading Team LeBron to a narrow 148-145 victory over Team Stephen, his decisive play in the game’s final moments solidified his third All-Star MVP recognition.
One of James‘ most unforgettable All-Star moments occurred during the 2011 All-Star Game when James recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite his impressive performance, he faced criticism for passing up a potential game-winning shot in the final moments, choosing instead to pass the ball to Carmelo Anthony. This decision sparked discussions about his late-game decision-making and was the talking point of NBA media for weeks after.
In his All-Star career, James has amassed a total of 434 points, making him the all-time leading scorer in All-Star Game history. His consistent excellence is further highlighted by averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game across 20 All-Star appearances. There is no doubt that he is the NBA’s greatest All-Star ever, it was truly a disappointment that the world didn’t get to see him last night.
