The Los Angeles Lakers forward announced his decision to sit out the 2025 All-Star Game due to ankle and foot discomfort about 90 minutes before the event began in San Francisco. James, who was slated to play for Shaq’s OGs, a team drafted by Shaquille O’Neal for the competition, expressed his regret over missing the game.

Kawhi Leonard is back in action, All-Star snub Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac are playing their best basketball yet and James Harden is still an impactful playmaker. Head coach Tyronn Lue has the experience, and the scrappy, talented squad needed to possibly surprise people in this year's playoffs.