Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

“He doesn’t want to play against the young guys”- Former NBA star lashes out at LeBron James for missing All-Star Game

LeBron James was drafted in the Shaq's OGs, the eventual winners of the 2025 All-Star Game.

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend was filled with fun, anticipation and a lot of criticism. From the introduction of a new format to the reduced gameplay, the event sparked intense discussions. But the drama didn’t stop there. Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James also drew criticism for his decision not to participate in the All-Star Game.

Ahead of the star-studded grand finale, James announced that he would miss the game due to ankle soreness. This was the first time that he missed an All-Star Game since his debut in 2005. However, the last-minute injury update didn’t sit well with fans and experts who were excited to see LeBron playing his 21st All-Star Game.

Former NBA player Chandler Parsons didn’t hold back in his criticism of LeBron James. The ex-Hawks forward accused the 40-year-old Lakers star of avoiding competition, suggesting he didn’t want to face off against the Rising Stars.

Parsons went a step further, labeling it hypocritical that James expects other players to team up with his 20-year-old son, Bronny, while he himself opted out of participating in the All-Star Game.

“Here is the problem I have with this in particular when we’re talking about LeBron James not wanting to play against Rising Stars. All these other NBA players have to play against his son because LeBron has kinda put him in that situation,” Parsons said as he appeared on the Run It Back Show, presented by FanDuel TV.

"The problem I have with LeBron James not wanting to play against the Rising Stars is all these other NBA players have to play against his son…

Would he have played if Bronny James was a Rising Star?"@ChandlerParsons doesn't mince words on Lebron's Sunday night sit out 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vTwOL2eji6
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 17, 2025

“He’s a rising star. So what’s the difference now? He doesn’t want to play against the young guys, but everyone else has to play against his son,” he added.

Chandler went on to say that LeBron could have handled the situation differently and told the team about the possibility of him not playing. But it was selfish that he didn’t want anyone to replace him.

“He’s been on the injury report for a game-time decision in the games leading up, so you kind of knew it was a possibility that you weren’t going to play. I think it just can be viewed as selfish that you didn’t want someone else to replace you,” the 36-year-old further said.

Notably, this year, Adam Silver and Co. came up with a different layout for the All-Star Game, with an aim to increase competitiveness and engagement. The game was organized in a mini-tournament format, where three teams, drafted by former NBA stars and TNT experts, and one team, winner of the Rising Stars Challenge clashed against each other for the elite title.

Also Read:
2025 NBA All-Star: Who was the Rising Stars MVP? Who will face Shaq’s OGs in All-Star Game? Everything from 2025 NBA Rising Stars
2025 NBA All-Star Game: Hey NBA! Attract players first, not just fans
“Worst All-Star Game Ever” – NBA fans react to 2025 All-Star Game

LeBron James’ Lakers will be back in action on Wednesday, as they clash against the Hornets. It is to be seen if the four-time NBA champion will return to court or remains sidelined.

All-Star Game 2025

Chandler Parsons

LeBron James

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.