LeBron James said he has withdrawn from NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James expressed his desire to participate in another All-Star Game. His ankle and left foot prevented him from doing so. About 90 minutes before the tournament began on Sunday, the NBA's all-time top scorer said he was unable to compete due to persistent physical concerns. Due to his foot and ankle issues, which have plagued him for years, James has been frequently listed on the Los Angeles Lakers' injury list this season. The All-Star Game took place without James for the first time since 2004.

Shaquille O'Neal selected Shaq's OGs as his team to compete in this year's All-Star competition using the new mini-tournament format, and James was supposed to play for them.  James was not replaced on his All-Star team’s roster, meaning it was down to seven players — Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Dallas’ Kyrie Irving, Boston teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard and the Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden.