Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James announces he will miss 2025 All-Star Game due to ankle soreness

LeBron James remains questionable for Lakers' next NBA matchup.

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers guard, LeBron James has announced that he will not play in the NBA All-Star Game due to ankle soreness. The veteran star is part of Shaq’s OGs (drafted by Shaquille O’Neal) in the 2025 All-Star Game.

LeBron James earned his 21st selection for the 2025 All-Star Game. The 40-year-old superstar has never missed an All-Star Game since his first appearance in 2005. However, the streak will end for James after opting out from the 2025 All-Star Game due to injury.

LeBron James will not play in the NBA All-Star Game tonight because of foot/ankle discomfort.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 16, 2025

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Will LeBron James play in Lakers’ upcoming matchup?

LeBron James is giving priority to the final 30 games of the season. The Lakers guard is aiming for the NBA playoffs and he wants to take care of his health.

“With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild wild West, I felt like it was very important for me to take care of myself.

James admitted he planned to return to Los Angeles on Sunday night, with rehab resuming on Monday. “No vacation for me,” The Lakers star said.

LeBron James’ status will be questionable for the Lakers’ post-All-Star game against Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 19. This game was rescheduled due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

The four-time NBA champion is targeting a return against the Hornets on Wednesday. “Hopefully I can play against Charlotte on Wednesday,” James said.

LeBron James has only missed five games this season. The veteran star is averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three.

LeBron James’ absence in the All-Star Game will hurt fans but his fitness is key for the Lakers’ crucial 30-game sprint to the playoffs. The 40-year-old star has won three All-Star MVP honors.

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2025 NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.