LeBron James is a 21x All-Star, and he has played in 22 seasons. He has been a regular at the All-Star game since he was in his second season. For two decades, James has been a guaranteed All-Star. He’s been picked every year since 2005, and if he had played, this would’ve been his 21st appearance. Oh, and that streak of 20 straight All-Star Game starts? Nobody else has ever done that!

But it seems like Father Time is actually catching up to LeBron. Just hours before the revamped All-Star format was set to tip-off, LeBron James made it official—he’s sitting this one out. His ankle just isn’t where it needs to be.

“Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight, unfortunately,” James told reporters Sunday evening. Plus, with Luka Doncic on his team now, he believes they can make a deep playoff run.

“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning. But it’s its not as where I want it to be. And 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push and Wild Wild West. I felt like it’s very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand, you know, what’s coming on so.”

Tough break for fans hoping to see him in action, but at this stage of his career, health comes first. James had been set to take the court for Shaq’s OGs, the team drafted by Shaquille O’Neal for the All-Star mini-tournament. But about 90 minutes before tip-off, he shut it down.

But apart from the fans, a Laker is worse off. After winning against the G League team, Dalton Knecht, the Lakers rookie was excited to go up against his teammate LeBron. “I’m not sure, but I might play against ‘Bron, right?” he asked postgame. “I get to go against one of my teammates, so it’ll be a lot of fun to go out there and try to make a statement.” 

Looks like we won’t be getting a statement from Knecht soon. Is his time in the NBA coming to an end or did Doncic extend it?

LeBron James doesn’t make it clear whether Luka Doncic had added more years in his NBA career

The Lakers just made things a whole lot more interesting. They pulled off a massive trade for Luka Doncic, pairing the 25-year-old superstar with LeBron James, who just hit 40 in December. That move? It’s got James feeling “energized” as he chases his fifth championship—and his second in L.A. But if you’re wondering how much longer he plans to play alongside Doncic, don’t expect a straight answer.

Before the All-Star Game—one he ended up skipping—James spoke to reporters about his future. Naturally, the big question came up: Would playing with Doncic extend his career? James didn’t commit either way.

“We’ll see what happens,” he said, per Rachel Nichols.

It’s not like he has anything left to prove. The guy’s a 21-time All-Star, a four-time champ, and earlier this season, he became the first player to ever share an NBA court with his own son, Bronny James. That’s already legendary status.

Of course, adding Doncic to the mix makes a fifth ring much more realistic. If James gets there, he’ll be just one title shy of Michael Jordan—and you already know that conversation would heat up fast. But as for whether this trade impacts his retirement plans? Too early to tell.

For now, L.A. is still figuring things out. They’re 1-1 since Doncic arrived and sitting at 32-20, holding down fifth place in the West. Let’s see where this goes.