Why isn’t LeBron James playing in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game?

Fans tuning into watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game have been left disappointed by the news that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James pulled out less than three hours before he was due to compete.

The 40-year-old had been due to play alongside the likes of Steph Curry and Kevin Durant for Shaq’s OGs against Candace’s Rising Stars in the semifinals, in the first year of the new four-team format.

However, James revealed to the media before the game that he ultimately wouldn’t be featuring because of discomfort in his foot and ankle.

The forward has been a regular fixture as a ‘probable’ on the Lakers’ injury report this season for similar reasons, although that generally been as a precaution.

When was the last NBA All-Star Game without LeBron James?

James has made a record 20 appearances in the NBA All-Star Game, in its traditional two-team format, and has been named MVP on three occasions.

Lebron won’t be playing in the exhibition for the 21st time, though, marking the first NBA All-Star game without him since 2004, his second year playing in the league for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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