Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Patrick Beverley Defends LeBron James After Lakers Star Faces Backlash For Missing All-Star Game
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Media > Patrick Beverley Defends LeBron James After Lakers Star Faces Backlash For Missing All-Star Game

Patrick Beverley Defends LeBron James After Lakers Star Faces Backlash For Missing All-Star Game

Patrick Beverley defends LeBron James’ late All-Star withdrawal, arguing it was to protect the game’s ratings.

Vishwesha Kumar
Feb 17, 2025
3 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

LeBron James’ absence from the 2025 NBA All-Star Game sparked major controversy, with fans and analysts debating whether the Lakers superstar should have played. While some criticized James for backing out at the last minute, others—like Patrick Beverley—came to his defense.

Beverley, known for his outspoken nature, addressed the backlash surrounding James’ decision, arguing that LeBron was actually protecting the game rather than abandoning it.

“Yeah, I totally disagree. I understand your point, however, if he announces he won’t play, no one would watch it. With ratings down, he was just trying to protect the game and look out for fans. If anyone hears LeBron not playing, there are some fans out there that wouldn’t even turn the game on.”

Beverley made these comments on his Pat Bev Pod, emphasizing that James’ late decision to pull out may have been strategic in keeping fan interest high leading up to the event. Hours before the All-Star Game tipped off, James made the official announcement that he wouldn’t be playing due to lingering ankle and foot discomfort. 

This marked the first time in his 21-year career that LeBron James missed an All-Star Game after being selected. James has played in every All-Star game since his first appearance in 2005, setting an NBA record with 21 All-Star selections. While this accomplishment is historic, it wasn’t the kind of record fans wanted to see.

The backlash toward James was fueled by the timing of his withdrawal. Critics argued that if he knew he wasn’t going to play, he should have announced it earlier—allowing the NBA to replace him in the lineup. Instead, LeBron’s decision came just hours before the game, leaving fans disappointed.

However, Beverley’s defense of James suggested that LeBron’s late announcement was strategic—ensuring that fan interest and TV ratings remained high. Beverley argued that if James had publicly ruled himself out days in advance, some fans wouldn’t have tuned in at all.

The Lakers star has dealt with multiple injuries this season, and at 40 years old, preserving his body has become a priority. With the Lakers fighting for playoff positioning, James likely saw the bigger picture—skipping the All-Star Game to remain fresh for the stretch run.

Despite the controversy, LeBron’s absence didn’t ruin the event, and the All-Star Game went on with plenty of star power. But the debate over whether James handled his decision correctly will continue to divide opinions among fans and analysts alike.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support. 

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers ArchivePatrick Beverley
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article Charles Barkley Blames LeBron And Curry’s Generation For Messing Up All-Star Game
Next Article Donovan Mitchell Trolls Jaylen Brown After Missing A Layup: “No Left Hand!”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Mar 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors

NBA Trade Idea: Quentin Grimes To Los Angeles Lakers

October 3, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Reveals 4 Lakers Players Will Miss Game Against Suns; 2 Players Will Be On Minute Restrictions

October 3, 2025
Dallas Mavericks News & Analysis

Anthony Davis Explains Why He Prefers Playing As A Power Forward Instead Of A Center

October 3, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

LeBron James Reveals When He First Knew He Could Go Pro

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?