LeBron James misses the 2025 NBA All-Star Game due to injury, ending his 20-year streak of consecutive All-Star starts.

For the first time in two decades, LeBron James will not be taking part in the NBA All-Star Game.

The legendary Los Angeles Lakers forward, who has graced the All-Star stage every year since his debut in 2005, was forced to sit out this year’s event due to ongoing injury concerns with his left foot and ankle.

The injury, which has been a persistent issue for James, particularly in recent seasons, led him to announce just 90 minutes before the game’s start that he wouldn’t be able to play.

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His absence marks the end of an incredible streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts, a record he has now set for future players to chase.

“I hate that,” James expressed in a statement, clearly disappointed to miss the opportunity. This would have been his 21st All-Star selection, extending his own record for the most appearances in league history.

Yet, the decision to sit out was necessary, as James himself acknowledged that the nagging injuries had taken a toll on his ability to perform at his highest level.

The decision was made in the hopes of prioritizing his long-term health, with the Lakers in a fierce battle for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference.

James was supposed to play for Shaquille O’Neal’s “OGs,” a new All-Star team format for this year’s mini-tournament. The Lakers star was drafted as a top pick, which only emphasizes the rarity and significance of his absence.

His fatherly figure in the NBA, Shaq, was also looking forward to having LeBron in his squad, and his absence left a noticeable void.

The All-Star roster of the “OGs” continued with superstars like Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant, but James’ absence was palpable.

As the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, James has become synonymous with All-Star weekend. He not only holds a record for the number of selections but also for consecutive starts, making this year’s omission a monumental moment in basketball history.

Even at 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations.

Despite the injury struggles, he remains one of the league’s most formidable players, averaging 24.3 points, 9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.

James’ situation has become even more complex as the Lakers recently acquired Luka Dončić in a trade, adding another layer of excitement and expectation for the team.

With James’ leadership and Dončić’s emerging stardom, the Lakers are hoping for a strong finish to the season, despite James’ temporary setback.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do,” James said, speaking of his excitement to play alongside the young star and continue his chase for another championship ring.

On a lighter note, James also reflected on his long career and the one major NBA event he’s never participated in: the Slam Dunk Contest. Despite many players over the years encouraging him to join, James has never taken the plunge.

“There’s no part of me that has regrets about not doing it,” James admitted.

For fans, this revelation was not a surprise, as James has often been focused on his legacy as an all-around player rather than one-off competitions.

While some players, including Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, have expressed interest in joining the event, LeBron remains steadfast in his decision.

Though James was not present for this year’s All-Star Game, his absence is far from a signal of slowing down. At 40, he’s still performing at a level that most players half his age would envy.

The Lakers will likely rely on him to lead their push for the playoffs and another championship, a pursuit that will undoubtedly define the twilight of his remarkable career.

As fans and analysts alike continue to debate when, or if, LeBron will ever slow down, the truth is clear—his legacy is already cemented. The story of this All-Star Game, however, will always be a reminder that even the greatest have to pause when their bodies demand it.

As James sets his sights on returning to action after the All-Star break, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the Lakers’ star will bounce back, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead in his final years on the court.