ESPN Star Blasts LeBron James Over Controversial All-Star Decision

Kendrick Perkins called out LeBron James for opting out of the NBA All-Star Game

Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Just an hour before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to tip-off, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James announced that he would not be suiting up on Sunday night.

Under normal circumstances, the NBA would select an injury replacement for a player who cannot play in the All-Star Game, but since James announced his status so late, there will not be a new player selected.

This decision by James to wait until the last minute to announce he would not be playing has been controversial around the league, with many fans upset that an injury replacement will not be selected in his place.

LeBron James will not be playing in tonight's All-Star game due to ankle and foot discomfort. pic.twitter.com/Cc0cmOx6uu
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025

Not only are fans upset about James' decision, but ESPN's Kendrick Perkins has revealed his displeasure as well. The 14-year NBA veteran took to social media to call out James, claiming that LA Clippers star Norman Powell should have gotten the opportunity to replace him.

Via Kendrick Perkins: "Could have said this earlier. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH"

Could have said this earlier. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH https://t.co/LqqLHR7A11
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 16, 2025

Powell, 31, is averaging 24.2 points per game on 49.6/42.8/81.9 shooting splits this season. Many fans felt as if Powell should have gotten an All-Star nod in the first place, and if James announced his injury status a week prior, the Clippers standout likely would have gotten that last spot.

Shaq's OGs will face off against Candace's Rising Stars in the first round of the revamped All-Star format but will do so without the Lakers superstar.

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