Dave McMenamin
SAN FRANCISCO – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James took part in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night – the first time in his career – due to discomfort in his left leg and ankle.
James, 40, won the Lakers victory over the Indiana Pacers last weekend due to the same injury.
“I was hoping I felt better this morning, but that wasn’t where I wanted it,” James said of his ankles.
The 22-year veteran skipped Saturday’s ritual practice and media availability, maintaining the same routine he’s maintained for All-Star Weekend in the last two seasons, and after 20 years of service the NBA gave him a grace I gave it.
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James added that he “hoped” would be available in the Lakers’ first game on Wednesday after an All-Star break with the Charlotte Hornets.
The game was rescheduled until this week after the Lakers Hornets game on January 9 was postponed due to a wildfire in Los Angeles. The rest of the league will not resume play until Thursday.
The Lakers (32-20) are fifth in the Western Conference after winning 12 of 15 games towards a break.
“There are 30 games left and I’m trying to push the playoffs at Wild, Wild West, so I feel it’s very important to take care of myself and understand what’s coming (down the stretch). I did,” James said. .
This was the first All-Star game James sat in his career after being named a record 21st consecutive starter in 2025.
James announced his decision two hours before chipoff on Sunday. There was no name-named injury replacement for the James location game.
James averages 24.3 points (3-39.5%) with 51.6% shooting, and has played in 48 of LA’s 52 games with 9.0 assists and 7.7 rebounds this season.
Two of these games featured his new teammate, Luka Doncic. James was asked if playing with 25-year-old Donsic had an impact on the period he planned to continue playing before retiring.
“I’m not giving it that type of idea,” James said. “The excitement of being able to add players of such caliber, that generation of talent has given us our franchise, and it’s something that has given me energy. I look forward to what we can do. It’s really good stuff. Please do it.
James touched on several other topics during the 15-minute press conference.
•After Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zach Lavine took to social media to express their interest in participating in next year’s dunk contest after Mac McClung won the event for three consecutive times on Saturday.
“No, there’s no part of me who regret not doing that,” James said. “Obviously there was a moment when I wanted to do it, but it never worked that way.”
He added that it’s “pretty cool” to see established stars in the contest dunk.
“If they do that, they are superstars in our league and obviously we know athletic ability (they have),” James said.
When asked about the current state of the NBA, after he lamented that many three pointers have been taken across the league earlier this season, James approved the NBA product and made it a big international appeal. It was pointed out as a draw.
“We love the game. The basketball game is beautiful,” James said. “(The NBA) has been better since I joined the league in 2003. Hopefully, I can keep getting even better when I finish playing.”
James said: “Looking forward to the improved format of the All-Star Game featuring three teams of eight NBA All-Star teams and one team of eight first and second-year rising stars competing in the round robin tournament. There’s.” .
James’ team, coached by James O’Neill and veterinarians such as James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, will be appearing on the Rising Stars group, including San Antonio Spurs’ rookie Stephen Castle and Dalton Knecht. I played it. The Lakers.
“We know there are so many great things — calling us OGS, it’s hilarious,” James said. “The other day, DK (Knecht) saw the quote saying he was going to counter me, so I think I’ll actually meet him.
