Lakers' LeBron James, Bronny James Reject Historic All-Star Invitation

Valentina Martinez | Jan 23, 2025

Nov 6, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) sit on the bench during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers father-son duo, LeBron James and Bronny James, declined an invite from the league to participate in the Skills Challenge portion of All-Star Weekend, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.

"Sources inform me that LeBron James and Bronny James were sought out by the league with the opportunity to further make history by being the first father-son duo to participate in the Skill Challenge during All-Star Weekend next month in San Francisco," Haynes said. "But I was told that invitation was turned down."

Sources: The history-making opportunity LeBron James and Bronny James declined for All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/AixmhuvbwY pic.twitter.com/o0mTq0DCl2

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 23, 2025

"Bronny James was also extended an invite to be among the G League players participate in the Rising Stars game. I'm told as well, that offer was declined," Haynes added.

It's likely the Lakers father-son duo didn't want be the focal point of All-Star Weekend, and instead wanted the rest of the league to shine.

James will make his 21st All-Star appearance next month. The Lakers star has experienced many All-Star Weekend, but the 2025 event will feature a new format.

Earlier this season, James spoke about the new changes to the vent.

“It had to change, something had to change,” James said. “Our game, there’s a lot of f—ing 3s being shot. So it’s a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game."

There has reportedly been a decrease in viewership for the NBA, but the league is still not exactly sure why. Whether the new format with the All-Star game helps viewership remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, James has his own ideas about revamping the All-Star game.

“Everyone has their own opinion. I mean yeah, it’s different… We’ll see when we get there. It’s different obviously; anytime you make some type of change it’s going to be some bug back. I don’t know, I mean I have my own ideas of what could possibly work.”

Maybe the league should listen to James' ideas, since he has seen the transformation of the weekend for over two decades.