LeBron Provides Key Update on Lakers Return After Missing NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers watches during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

After sitting out the 2025 NBA All-Star Game due to ongoing discomfort in his left foot and ankle, LeBron James is now facing questions about whether he will participate in the Los Angeles Lakers’ back-to-back games to kick off the second half of the season.

“I’m hopeful to be ready for Wednesday,” James said to reporters ahead of the All-Star Game. “We have a makeup game, so I’m heading back to LA [Sunday night]. No vacation for me.”

James, 40, whose streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances ended on Sunday, plans to resume rehab on Monday and prepare for the Lakers’ practice session on Tuesday.

The Lakers will meet the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Feb. 19, to make up the Jan. 9 game postponed due to wildfires in Los Angeles. The rest of the league resumes play on Thursday, with the Lakers then set to face the Portland Trail Blazers.

The veteran hopes to participate in both matchups.

“It’s an important stretch for us,” said James.

Lakers’ Remaining Schedule Toughness

The Lakers, sitting at 32-20 and fifth in the Western Conference, trail the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies (36-18) by just three games. However, they are tied with the Clippers for the fifth-toughest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon.

Los Angeles still faces two games against the top-ranked Oklahoma City Thunder, three with the third-seeded Denver Nuggets, two versus the fourth-seeded Houston Rockets, and one against each of the Eastern Conference’s top teams: the New York Knicks (third), the Memphis Grizzlies (second), and defending champions Boston Celtics (second).

“With 30 games to go and us looking to make a playoff push in the wild West, it’s crucial that I take care of myself and understand the challenges ahead,” James said, explaining why he chose to skip his 21st NBA All-Star Game.

“I don’t want to call it maintenance — well, it is maintenance, but it’s also about protecting myself from an injury I’ve been managing for years,” he added.

LeBron Criticized for Late All-Star Game Withdrawal

James’ decision to withdraw from the All-Star Game sparked criticism, especially from his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins.

Perkins labeled James “selfish” for denying another player the chance to participate in the All-Star Game.

“I have no issue with LeBron missing the All-Star Game at 40 due to injury. But it’s how he handled it,” Perkins stated on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Feb. 17. “He likely knew he wouldn’t play when he was initially selected. Why not give a heads-up instead of arriving just an hour before the game starts?”

“And now, you’re taking away from someone who probably deserved that spot. Put your uniform on. It seemed selfish on his part. He should have dealt with it differently.”

Perkins previously wrote on X that James’ spot should have gone to Clippers’ player Norman Powell, who is having a career-best season.

“LeBron could have announced this sooner. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH,” Perkins posted on X after James confirmed his decision to miss the game.

Alder Almo is a basketball journalist who covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has over 15 years of experience in both local and international media, spanning broadcast, print, and digital platforms. Alder previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he now resides in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo.