LeBron James sits out All-Star Game, citing ankle ‘discomfort’

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Lakers superstar LeBron James, selected to his record-extending 21st NBA All-Star Game, begs off hours before the league spectacle

LeBron James revealed a few hours before the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 16 (Monday, February 17, Manila time) that he will not play due to ankle and foot pain.

“You won’t see anything from me tonight, unfortunately. I will not be in uniform tonight,” James said at a pregame press conference. “Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight, unfortunately. You know, I hate that.”

James was selected to his record-extending 21st All-Star Game. He was set to play for Team Shaq in the new four-team mini-tournament format.

The 40-year-old missed one recent game, February 8 against the Indiana Pacers, due to left ankle soreness.

James is averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game in 48 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, missing just four games with injury or illness.

The new All-Star format will see two semifinal games, the first pitting Team Kenny (captained by Kenny “The Jet” Smith) against Team Chuck (Charles Barkley) and the second pitting Team Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) against Team Candace, a team made up of Rising Stars selections captained by Candace Parker. – Rappler.com