The All-Star format changed, but one name remained constant with the game — LeBron James. The All-Star mini-tournament drew mixed reactions. Yet, what most of the fans must have loved is the victorious team. The NBA’s OG’s proved they are still the juggernauts that rule over the league. However, for the first time in his career, LeBron James wouldn’t participate. His decision to do so came last second, as he dealt with ankle soreness before the game.

There was no news about the same until the Akron Hammer missed the All-Star practice. The worrisome news then turned into reality when he announced his exclusion during the press conference. This angered some, and the reasons were justified. Notably, Kendrick Perkins felt the 40-year-old could have made a decision earlier to give another player a chance at being present on Sunday night.

To some degree, Patrick Beverley too agrees with some disappointed fans. However, he also thinks LeBron James is trying to “protect the game” by keeping his decision quiet until the very end.

“Yea I totally disagree. I understand your point, however, if he announces he won’t play no one would watch it. with ratings down he was just trying to protect the game and look our for fans. if anyone hears Lebron not playing it’s some fans out there that wouldn’t even turn the game on. more on,” the former Laker wrote in his response to a fan.

In the lead-up to the game, several stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis’ injuries prevented their participation. Additionally, due to the 65-game rule, regular presences like Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and more also couldn’t be selected for the game. With the NBA seeing a steep decline in viewership this season, a giant such as LeBron James not playing could surely have affected the ratings.

The four-time champion arguably has the biggest fanbase in the entire NBA. Still, that didn’t stop fans from expressing their outrage at his decision.

Are NBA fans upset with LeBron James?

For basketball fans, wanting to see the best compete against the best is the emotion that captures the All-Star game. But what’s important isn’t who takes part. They would rather see a healthy player get an opportunity than one of the stars selected sidelined. Hence, their fury over LeBron James’ late decision was palpable.

“WTF LeBron pull that shit for? If you’re not playing speak up earlier so someone can fill your spot tf,” one fan mentioned. The reactions were the same for Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves’ young ace also faced a backlash from the fans for not announcing his injury, which was later revealed to be groin soreness.

But while Ant-Man didn’t show at all, James was at the Oracle to support his teammates. And fans are incensed because the 21-time All-Star corrupted what could be a memorable picture. One such fan said “Yeah LeBron should’ve just stayed home or atleast dress and just don’t play…. You ruining the whole vibes of the pic,” about the same.

The OG’s, with veterans like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry all got together for a picture before the game. It symbolized an era of basketball that could soon fade away. All the vintage icons wore the same jersey, screaming unity. But James remained in his fit for the game. Him being at the center of the picture as not only the oldest but arguably the most iconic basketball star of the generation, fans couldn’t understand his decision. “Bron really couldn’t just put the jersey on for the pics??” a loyalist questioned.

And in all honesty, maybe such a request is fair from the fans. Putting on his jersey to commemorate the moment would have fittingly cemented the group. Most of the players are at such a point in their careers that being an All-Star isn’t a guarantee anymore. And who knows whether they will ever be on the same side of an All-Star game again?

James’ casual attitude towards the picture prompted a demeaning thought in the minds of some fans. They felt “LeBron ruining the pic bc he wanted attention”. However, in reality, it seems until the very end, the King was hopeful to be part of the All-Star. It was clear in his press conference before the game.

James said, “I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be,” about his ankle. While it wouldn’t be a full-fledged appearance, the 40-year-old would still be out on the floor doing justice to the fans. But showing up for the team picture with those he has competed against for a decade is also part of his duty.

On that front, LeBron James didn’t may have done the right thing. But again, not everyone is perfect, and all we can do is wish the big man recovers soon.