Not even two hours before the All-Star game was set to tip off, LeBron James dropped the bombshell that he wasnt going to participate due to ongoing ankle issues.
His former teammate Kendrick Perkins was not happy with the way the Lakers star went about things.
Do I have a problem with LeBron James missing the All-Star game at the age of 40 because of injury? Absolutely not, Perkins said. But its how he did it. And he knew that he wasnt going to play when he probably was selected to play in the All-Star game. How about giving people a heads up? Not showing up to the actual All-Star weekend an hour before the game starts.
Perkins continued, And now, all of a sudden, youre taking away from another guy that probably earned to be in the All-Star gamePut your damn uniform on. Thats another thing; it came off as him being selfish. It looked selfish on his partHe should have handled it in a better way.
Shannon Sharpe also took issue with LeBron on ESPNs First Take.
Im disappointed in LeBron, Sharpe said. I believe that LeBron knew on Wednesday night after the game that he wasnt gonna play.
If the reports are true, LeBron didnt even arrive until Saturday, he added. I just dont get it. I believe that Norman Powell was deserving (of a place). If youre not going to play, give someone else the opportunity to fill that spot. Left Shaq with just seven guys instead of the customary eight. I did not agree with this decision guys, I thought LeBron in this situation was selfish. He knew he wasnt gonna play.
Stephen A. Smith was in support of Sharpes comments, since he responded,Im just so proud of my boy Shannon Sharpe. I know he got a lot in him, I didnt know he had that in him. Selfish? LeBron? Oh my Lord. Did you bring it this morning. Youre damn right hes selfish, youre damn right he was. Theres no way around this, youre gonna sit up there and announce before the game when (commissioner) Adam Silver doesnt have time to announce a replacement. And giving props to Draymond, Jalen Rose, Vince Carter. All three of them pointed that out. They said the same exact thing the minute it was discovered.
