LeBron James Opts Out Of All-Star Game To Rest Ankle For Lakers Playoff Push

SAN FRANCISCO – For the first time ever, LeBron James sat out an NBA All-Star Game. The 40-year-old Lakers forward, who has been a staple of the event for over two decades, made the tough call to skip the game because of persistent pain in his left foot and ankle.

James had already missed a recent game against the Indiana Pacers due to the same issue. He had hoped that a little extra rest over the All-Star break would do the trick, but when Sunday morning rolled around, his ankle still wasn’t feeling right.

“I was hoping it would feel a lot better, but it just wasn’t where I wanted it to be,” James admitted.

At this point in his career, James has earned the league’s respect. Over the past couple of years, the NBA has excused him from Saturday’s All-Star practice and media obligations, acknowledging his long-standing contributions to the game. He stuck to that routine again this year.

Putting the Lakers’ Playoff Hopes First

James wasn’t just thinking about one game—he was thinking about the big picture. With 30 games left in the regular season, the Lakers are sitting at 32-20 and holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They’ve been on a roll lately, winning 12 of their last 15 games.

“With how tight the West is, I have to be smart,” James said. “Taking care of myself now means I can be at my best for the rest of the season.”

The Lakers’ first game after the break is on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets. This matchup was originally scheduled for January 9 but was postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Most teams won’t play again until Thursday.

Breaking a 21-Year Streak

James has been selected as an All-Star starter for a record 21 straight years, so this game marked a historic absence. The last time the All-Star Game was played without him? 2004.

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Since his decision came just two hours before tipoff, the league didn’t have time to name a replacement. Despite his absence, Team Shaq’s OGs, the squad he was originally set to play for, still secured the win over Team Chuck.

Still One of the Best at 40

Even at this stage of his career, James is putting up elite numbers. He’s averaging 24.3 points per game on 51.6% shooting, including a solid 39.5% from three. Along with his scoring, he’s contributing 9.0 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.

He’s played in 48 of the Lakers’ 52 games so far this season—proving that, despite missing the All-Star Game, he’s still as durable as they come.

How Luka Doncic Changes Things

One of the biggest mid-season moves for the Lakers was the addition of Luka Doncic. When asked whether playing with the 25-year-old has influenced how long he plans to keep going, James was noncommittal.

“I haven’t really thought about it like that,” he said. “But having a guy like Luka on our team brings a lot of energy. I’m excited to see what we can do together down the stretch. We could be really good.”

No Dunk Contest Regrets

Over the years, fans have begged James to compete in the dunk contest, but he’s never done it. Now, with Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Zach LaVine teasing their participation in next year’s contest, James was asked if he had any regrets.

“No, no regrets,” he said. “There were a couple of times I thought about it, but it just never happened.”

This year, Mac McClung took home his third straight dunk contest title, but if stars like Morant, Giannis, and LaVine enter next year, it could be one of the most anticipated contests ever.

“If they actually do it, it’s gonna be crazy,” James said. “Those guys are incredible athletes, and that would be must-watch TV.”

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Source: Lakers’ LeBron James sits out All-Star Game due to foot/ankle

Thoughts on the State of the NBA

James has spoken before about the league’s increasing reliance on three-point shooting, but when asked about the NBA’s overall state, he was positive about its evolution.

“The game is in a great place,” he said. “Basketball has only improved since I came in back in 2003, and I hope it keeps getting better even after I’m done.”

LeBron James Opts Out of All-Star Game to Rest Ankle for Lakers Playoff Push

A New Look for the All-Star Game

This year’s All-Star Game had a completely new format. Instead of the usual East vs. West or team captain draft, the league introduced a tournament-style competition with four teams. Three teams consisted of eight All-Stars each, while the fourth team featured eight first- and second-year Rising Stars.

James was part of Team Shaq’s OGs, alongside Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Their first matchup was against the Rising Stars, which included rookies like Stephon Castle from the Spurs and Dalton Knecht from the Lakers.

Hearing younger players refer to him as an “OG” made James laugh.

“It’s funny,” James said. “I saw DK [Knecht] say he was excited to play against me. I guess I’ll see him in practice, and we’ll go at it then.”

What’s Next for LeBron?

Now that All-Star Weekend is over, James’ focus shifts to getting back on the court and finishing the season strong. The Western Conference is a dogfight, and every game matters.

While fans might have been disappointed not to see him play, his decision to sit out proves he’s thinking long-term. The ultimate goal? Another championship run. And even at 40 years old, LeBron James isn’t slowing down anytime soon.