Add Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James to the list of names wishing the NBA hadn’t decided to play an All-Star Game, after all.
James called the idea of the game “a slap in the face,” given that the league has had to postpone multiple games already because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year,” James said after the Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. “I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star Game.”
The game is reportedly scheduled for March 7 in Atlanta, with an official announcement on the way. Initially, the NBA had scheduled March 5-10 as a midseason break with no All-Star Game. There also were plans to hold All-Star voting — which has begun — with possibly no game.
But a game and skills competition are on after the NBA and players’ union reportedly reached an agreement.
James said he would be there “physically, but not mentally,” when the time comes.
His thoughts echoed similar sentiments from Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
“If I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,” Fox told reporters Wednesday. “If we have to wear a mask and do all of this for a regular game, then what’s the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?
“Obviously, money makes the world go round, so it is what it is.”
