Teased to Be a Wild Card Entry for Celebrity Game, LeBron James Set to Miss Pivotal Events at NBA All-Star Weekend

The NBA All-Star Weekend has commenced after much anticipation and fanfare. With less than 48 hours remaining for the All-Star Game, fans of the NBA cannot contain their excitement. However, their excitement would have been dampened after reports emerged that LeBron James might miss the All-Star Game. Shannon Sharpe raised hopes of fans, as he teased that LeBron could be his wildcard for the Celebrity All-Star Game.

But fans were left disappointed, as that proved to be a playful banter between Sharpe and fellow Celebrity All-Star Game HC Stephen A. Smith. ESPN’s Marc J. Spears has provided a positive update. According to Spears, “NBA says LeBron James will not be present for today’s NBA All-Star Practice and Media Day and will be made available on Sunday night.”

While it’s disappointing that LeBron won’t be present for the All-Star practice and media day, it’s not a major setback, as he will still be available for the All-Star Game. King James will make history when he takes to court on Sunday. James will become the first NBA player to make 20 All-Star appearances, beating out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record of 19 All-Star Game selections. The 39-year-old has averaged 22.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 19 games in All-Star Games in his career. But with the All-Star Game still more than 24 hours away, let’s take a look at Saturday’s All-Star festivities.

What does the NBA have in store on Saturday?

The Celebrity All-Star Game and the Rising Stars tournament took place yesterday. However, the NBA has more in store for the fans. Saturday’s All-Star festivities include the Skills Challenge, the Slam Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest. Later tonight, the fans will also get to witness the very first NBA vs WNBA 3-Point Contest between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.

The Starry 3-Point Contest is scheduled to start by 8:00 PM, Eastern Time at the Lucas Oil Stadium. Stars such as Lillard, Brunson, Haliburton, Donovan Mitchell have been roped in for the event. The Slam Dunk Contest will also start by 8:00 PM, with players like Jaylen Brown, Mac McClung, Jacob Toppin and Jaime Jacquez Jr. participating. 

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Are you excited for Saturday’s All-Star festivities? Who would win the 3-Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest? Let us know in the comments below!

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