Kevin Garnett is asking fans not to vote for LeBron James in the All-Star Game

Former NBA player and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett is urging fans to reconsider voting LeBron James in 2026 NBA All-Star Gamee, which should take place in Los Angeles this February.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast KG: Certified, Garnett said he believes James doesn’t want to be on the show and suggested fans save their votes.

“LeBron doesn’t want to play in the All-Star Game… Listen, all you people who are going to vote for Bron, save your votes. He didn’t play in the All-Star game last year.”

Garnett’s comments come as James enters his 23rd NBA season, an unprecedented milestone that further extends his record for longevity. The 40-year-old forward is back this season after sitting out a sciatic injury during the offseason and has appeared in 11 games so far.

Through those performances, James averaged 20.2 points, 7.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field and 28.3% from three-point range in 34.1 minutes per game. His production has increased significantly over the last five games, during which he averaged 27.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 53.8% from the field.

Kevin Garnett doesn’t hold back when it comes to LeBron James and the All-Star Game.

On his show @kg_certifiedhe said:

“LeBron doesn’t want to play in the All-Star Game… Listen, all you people who are going to vote for Bron, save your votes. He didn’t play in it… pic.twitter.com/K9iKSEZkDMo

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025

LeBron James, Lakers shift focus amid Kevin Garnett’s All-Star Game speech

That part includes a 36-point performance in Saturday’s 103-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippersone of his most aggressive hits since returning to action.

James, who turns 41 next week, did not participate in the All-Star Game last season in 2025 in San Francisco due to long-term discomfort in the left foot and ankle. That absence ended a streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances. Despite missing the game, James still holds the league record for most All-Star selections with 21.

While the debate over his All-Star status continues, James and the Los Angeles Lakers remain focused on their regular season schedule. Los Angeles enters Sunday at 19-8 and will look to bounce back from Saturday’s loss when they host the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET.

The Lakers will then return to Southern California to begin a five-game stretch on Christmas Day, hosting the Houston Rockets (17-9) on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET in a nationally televised matchup on ABC and ESPN.