LeBron James Misses All-Star Game, Bringing 20-Year Streak to an End

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — LeBron James aimed to participate in another All-Star Game but was sidelined by his persistent left foot and ankle injuries.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer revealed just 90 minutes before the event on Sunday that he would not be able to play, citing ongoing health concerns. He has frequently appeared on the Los Angeles Lakers’ injury report this season due to these chronic issues, which have troubled him for several years.

This marked the first All-Star Game absence for James since 2004.

“I hate that,” he expressed.

James was set to join Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs, a team drafted by the legendary player for this year’s revamped mini-tournament format. Having made his All-Star debut in 2005, this year’s game was poised to be his 21st appearance, further extending his record. His impressive tally of 21 selections and a streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts was also a remarkable achievement.

With James not participating, his All-Star team was left with seven players: Stephen Curry from Golden State, Kyrie Irving from Dallas, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant from Phoenix, Damian Lillard from Milwaukee, and James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers.

“I was hoping it would feel much better this morning, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James acknowledged. “With 30 games remaining and our playoff aspirations in the competitive Western Conference, it’s crucial for me to prioritize my health and prepare for what’s ahead.”

“So, I wouldn’t call it maintenance, but you could say it is,” he added. “I have to be mindful of my condition, especially with this long-standing injury.”

James indicated that he intends to return to Los Angeles on Sunday night and will resume rehabilitation on Monday.

“No vacation for me,” he quipped.

Currently, he aims to return for the Lakers’ post-All-Star schedule on Wednesday against Charlotte, a match that had to be rescheduled due to wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area.

“I hope to be ready for Wednesday,” James stated.

Even in his absence from the game on Sunday, James, who is the NBA’s oldest player and recently turned 40, continues to impress observers.

This season, he is averaging 24.3 points, the lowest scoring average during any of his All-Star seasons. However, this does not indicate a decline; he also boasts an average of nine assists per game, the second-highest pre-All-Star rate of his career, along with 7.7 rebounds and nearly 40% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.

The only players this season averaging at least 24.3 points, 9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds are James and Denver’s Nikola Jokic.

“Twenty-one All-Star games? It’s mind-blowing,” commented Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson. “LeBron could easily reach 25 if he chose to. We often joke among coaches that every time you face LeBron, you wonder, ‘How does he keep getting better?’”

James Discusses Lakers’ Trade for Luka

The Lakers recently acquired Luka Doncic in a trade with Dallas, and James expressed enthusiasm about how the new star duo might perform together.

“It’s exciting to bring a player of his caliber, a generational talent, to our franchise. It energizes me,” James remarked. “I’m eager to see what we can achieve together. If he gets into his rhythm, we could be formidable in the coming games. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

No Plans for a Dunk Contest

Despite the ongoing discussions around it, James has never participated in the NBA’s dunk contest and does not foresee that changing as his career progresses towards its later stages.

Some notable players, including Ja Morant, former dunk champion Zach LaVine, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, have hinted after Mac McClung’s recent title win that they might consider entering the contest in the future.

“I have no regrets about not being part of it,” James asserted. “I’ve had moments where I considered it, but circumstances, like injuries or being unprepared, meant it never worked out.”