Shannon Sharpe, one of LeBron James‘ biggest supporters, shocked many when he publicly criticized the Lakers superstar for how he handled his decision to skip the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. While James cited ankle and foot soreness as his reason for not suiting up, his last-minute announcement drew heavy scrutiny, with Sharpe leading the charge.
“I’m disappointed in LeBron. I believe LeBron knew on Wednesday night after the game that he wasn’t going to play, and he could have done just the exact same thing that Giannis did. Giannis said that he wasn’t going to play, and Adam Silver was able to name Trae Young as his replacement.”
“Giannis still showed up, put on his uniform, and supported. If the reports are true, LeBron didn’t arrive until Saturday. I mean, so I don’t get it… I just don’t get it because I believe Norman Powell was deserving.”
“Guys, y’all can correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe Norman Powell was deserving of that. He earned that. 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?”
“If you’re not going to play and just want to show up, he could have done exactly what Giannis did—show up, put the uniform on, and say, ‘I’m here to support you guys, but I’m not going to play.'”
“The mere fact that he got on a flight, had to fly, and he’s talking about his ankle and foot discomfort… The swelling goes on when you’re up in the air. I didn’t agree with that. I did not agree with LeBron’s decision to show up late and not play in this ball game.”
“If you’re not going to play, give someone else an opportunity to fill that spot. He left Shaq with just seven guys instead of the customary eight. I did not agree with this decision, guys. I thought LeBron, in this situation, was selfish.”
“He knew he wasn’t going to play, and instead of just telling Adam Silver, ‘I’m not going to play,’ and allowing him to name a replacement—even if it’s not Norman Powell, though I think he had earned that right considering how well he played—that’s what should have happened.”
“For me, Ant-Man did the same thing. Ant-Man pulled out, talking about he was sick. Allow someone else to play. You’re still an All-Star. Even if you don’t play in the game, guys, you still have that All-Star tag on your resume.”
“LeBron James is a 21-time All-Star. He started every single time. Nothing was going to change. I disagree with LeBron’s decision on this one.”
.@stephenasmith is SHOCKED that @ShannonSharpe said he's disappointed in LeBron's late scratch from the All-Star Game 😯 pic.twitter.com/v23FOGaLZL
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 17, 2025
Sharpe, speaking on First Take, expressed disappointment in LeBron, stating that he should have informed the league earlier, just like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who withdrew in advance and allowed commissioner Adam Silver to name Trae Young as his replacement. In contrast, LeBron’s late withdrawal left Shaquille O’Neal’s team with just seven players, forcing them to compete at a disadvantage.
One of Sharpe’s biggest concerns was how LeBron’s decision robbed another deserving player of an All-Star opportunity. Many analysts, including Sharpe, believed Norman Powell had earned a spot, considering his strong performances leading up to the break. Sharpe also questioned LeBron’s travel plans, noting that flying could have worsened his ankle issues.
Sharpe’s criticism caught many off guard, as he has been one of LeBron’s most vocal supporters throughout his career. Even Stephen A. Smith was shocked by the segment.
LeBron’s absence from the All-Star Game has led to broader discussions about player commitment to the event. Kevin Durant has already suggested canceling All-Star Weekend entirely, while Charles Barkley blamed LeBron’s generation for the declining interest in the game.
While LeBron’s decision is understandable from a health perspective, the backlash highlights how even NBA legends and supporters expect more accountability from a player of his stature.
As the Lakers push for a deep playoff run, LeBron will look to put this controversy behind him, but Sharpe’s comments will likely linger as a rare moment of public criticism from one of his biggest defenders.
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