Carmelo Anthony, one of LeBron James' closest friends, has a strong opinion on James opting to not play in this year's NBA All-Star Game.

Under the NBA’s new tournament-like format for the All-Star Game, LeBron James was the first overall pick selected by Shaquille O’Neal a couple weeks ago. But on Sunday, Shaq’s squad took quite the hit with last-minute injury news.

LeBron James will not play in Sunday’s All-Star Game, the first time he has been selected but will not participate in the league’s midseason showcase.

Soreness in a foot and ankle force him to miss the midseason classic. He hopes to be ready when the regular season resumes on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has revealed that he will not be playing in the NBA All-Star Game tonight. During his media availability before the game, James revealed that he is still dealing with an injury so he will not be in uniform. LeBron James says he won't play in tonight's game because of foot/ankle discomfort.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will not play in Sunday night's All-Star Game, per the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds. James told reporters he's sitting out due to lingering foot and ankle discomfort. A replacement for James won't be named ahead of tipoff, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James ruled himself out of the 2025 All-Star Game Sunday due to ankle soreness, he announced in a press conference before the mini tournament got underway. There will not be a replacement for James in the revamped mini tournament due to the late timing of the announcement.

LeBron James won’t take part in Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game. The Lakers superstar revealed a little more than an hour before it started that he won’t play due to foot and ankle discomfort.

Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game left fans largely disappointed after the new format turned out to be a huge bust, with everyone from Stephen A. Smith to the casual basketball viewer ripping the uninspiring four-team tournament.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward still is suffering from ankle and foot soreness. He said before the All-Star Game he hoped to play again Wednesday.