LeBron James said he has withdrawn from Sunday, February 16, NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco, citing a nagging ankle and foot injury. The Los Angeles Lakers star revealed his decision not to play in remarks to reporters ahead of Sunday night’s games at the Chase Center.
“You will not see anything from me tonight,” James, 40, said. “Unfortunately I will not be in uniform tonight. “Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight, unfortunately. You know I hate that. But I’m looking forward to seeing the format.”
James, making his 21st appearance in the All-Star game, had been due to play for “Team Shaq” selected by Shaquille O’Neal, alongside stars such as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum.
All-Star weekend has reached its final day in San Francisco. Sunday night is the All-Star Game – or tournament. It’s a new format for the All-Star Game this year. It’s now a mini-tournament with games going only to 40 points.
All-Star Saturday saw Mac McClung become the first back-to-back-to-back dunk champion, Tyler Herro win the 3-point contest, Team Cavs win the skills event and Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul get disqualified from the skills competition for circumventing the rules in the NBA’s opinion.
The All-Stars are split into three teams of eight players this year, drafted by TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. The NBA has made the All-Star Game a mini-tournament this year, with four teams playing games to 40 points. There’s no clock (other than the shot clock) and nobody fouls out.
