First Take personality Shannon Sharpe slammed Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James for ducking out of the All-Star game at the last minute, effectively blocking Clippers guard Norman Powell from earning his first selection.
It wasn’t just that James didn’t play in the NBA All-Star Game Sunday night. It’s that he waited until it was too late for Powell take his place.
James announced about two hours before tipoff that he could not go due to lingering issues with his left foot and ankle.
“I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be,” James said, according to ESPN.
To be fair, it seems like LeBron, who appeared in every All-Star game since 2004, was legitimately hoping he could make an appearance. But his hesitation drew the ire of Sharpe, who claimed the self-anointed “King” was being “selfish.”
And to be fair, if James wasn’t feeling great, why would he risk the actual season by playing hurt in a gimmick game? He could have easily bowed out much earlier.
Shannon Sharpe Hammers LeBron James
Two players besides LeBron James were also injured and did not appear in the All-Star game – Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The difference being, the latter two stars made that clear early on, and replacements were named. But James, who most likely would have been replaced by 31-year-old veteran Norman Powell, waited instead.
And that’s what had Sharpe, usually a huge Bron fan, in a tizzy.
“Guys, y’all can correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Norman Powell was deserving of that spot. He earned the right to be there. If LeBron wasn’t going to play, what was the purpose of him just showing up in street clothes?” Sharpe said.
“I did not agree with this decision. I thought LeBron, in this situation, was selfish.”
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About Those Street Clothes
Fans were also a little ticked that LeBron James showed up in those street clothes for the All-Star team photo. James was seen sticking out like a sore thumb.
Fans couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t take the time to throw on the uniform if he was going to be in the team photo anyway.
lebron could have just worn the jersey for the photo pic.twitter.com/ZfeUEDGsM5
— cleo ❀ (@f1eclerc) February 17, 2025
When a fellow analyst suggested giving LeBron a pass because of who he is, Sharpe was livid.
“No, LeBron James is not bigger than the game of basketball,” Sharpe fired back. “He’s not. You talking about, ‘He’s earned the right.’ No, he hasn’t. I vehemently disagree.”
The Lakers certainly think he’s bigger than the game. How else to explain them completely throwing away a draft pick on a reclamation project in Bronny?
Powell, meanwhile, is a legitimate NBA player at a legitimate All-Star level. He’s averaged 24.2 points per game this season while leading the Clippers to a 31-23 record, good enough for a sixth seed in the West.
He should have had the chance to play in his first All-Star Game.
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