LeBron James did not mince words in a post-game interview regarding the NBA All-Star game. The 16-time All-Star was brutally honest stating, “I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year. I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star Game…[It’s] a slap in the face." The L.A. Laker superstar attributed the lack of desire to play the game was due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the shortened offseason the NBA players had. Sacramento King point guard De'Aaron Fox also came out against the game recently stating, “I think it’s stupid. If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game, what’s the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?"
The NBAPA will be meeting with the NBA brass to discuss an All-Star game agreement and protocol, although it looks likely the game will take place in March and in the city of Atlanta. LeBron James and other big name NBA players will have to think twice about not playing, as it is known that the NBA fines heavily any player that does not compete in the annual event.
While LeBron James did let it be known that it feels like the players, who are already on a shortened vacation schedule, are being forced to partake in the event and must travel and risk exposure to Covid-19.
LeBron James on the 2021 NBA All-Star Game
LeBron James stated that the players entered the season believing that there would be no All-Star game this season. “Coming into this season we were told that we were not having an All-Star Game… We’re still dealing with a pandemic.”
James went on to say, “Obviously, the pandemic has nothing to do with it at this point… I’m not very happy about it, but it’s out of my hands, I’ll be there physically, but not mentally.”
This would be a shame for the NBA to have their top talents coasting it during the event, still with the meeting between the NBAPA and NBA front office set to take place next week, a deal will be worked out to make things a bit easier on those selected.
