The 2023 All-Star Game has been a mixed bag of treats so far. Stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, along with Zion Williamson, had been ruled out before the game, whereas Giannis Antetokounmpo sat down after one basket due to a finger injury he came into the game with.
At the same time, players like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are clearly not trying to put up numbers and have looked lethargic on the court. With all of these issues, the mantle of carrying the game could have fallen to LeBron James.
LeBron checked out of the game at halftime to deal with a hand injury, being ruled out for the second half after hitting his finger on the rim. Fans weren’t pleased and called this another form of load management by ‘Bron.
LeBron will not return tonight after injuring his hand on the rim pic.twitter.com/zq11UjdJqz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2023
How LeBron hurt his hand: #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/FAUX1QdVQv
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 20, 2023
Damn Lebron “injured” his hand again.. prayers up 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/1z4y3bigX1
— . (@Yankees_Heat_) February 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/JABridgeforth/status/1627508883240652803
— AUtlanta (@BeckettHits) February 20, 2023
no way he’s load managing the all star game💀💀💀
— rodney (@lukatroncic23) February 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/MasterSage_/status/1627506251494989825
“Lebron James has been ruled out for the rest of the game”
Everyone watching: pic.twitter.com/oTJuR7VOYf
— ☔️ (@klutchagent) February 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/LouAyeBurner/status/1627506416771538944
Giving all those handshakes and hugs his hand looks just fine
— Zack Mac (@MACKandcheese23) February 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/papyfaye1/status/1627506320734552065
He’s ok he’s resting bcz he’s waiting for Thursday
— . (@jordydagoat_) February 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/LakeShowYo/status/1627506260139708417
If Giannis stayed to dunk the ball once and then check out, we can cut the 38-year-old LeBron some slack for checking out after giving the fans a show for the first half. It does look like he will lose his first All-Star game as captain this year without him on the floor.
LeBron James Preparing For The Final Stretch Of The Season
After seeing the image of his finger at the rim, maybe it’s best that LeBron protects himself by not playing the rest of the game. The final stretch of this season is far more important for the Lakers, with LeBron himself calling it the most important 23 games of his career.
The Lakers missed the playoff last season, and LeBron has not missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons since his rookie and sophomore years in the league. Fans may criticize him for stepping out on the All-Star game at the half, but he is doing what’s best for his health and his franchise, given the precarious position they find themselves in.
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