Did LeBron James Just Say He Won’t Play In The NBA All-Star Game?

Los Angeles Lakers‘ LeBron James will not start in the All-Star game for the first time in 22 years, a move that drew comparisons to 2003, when Hall of Fame guard Michael Jordan was not selected as the starter. The main difference between the two is that Jordan announced his retirement ahead of the 2002-03 season, while James’ future is uncertain. However, can NBA fans expect to see LeBron as a reserve at this year’s presentation?

James danced around the answer to that question during his media availability, according to “Oh no, he didn’t do it” X, formerly of Twitter.

“If I’m there, I’ll be there if I’m not, I know I’ll be able to take full advantage of it,” James said. “I know exactly what I’m going to do, so I’m good either way.”

LeBron at the All-Star Game:

“If I’m there, I’ll be there, if I’m not, I know I’ll be able to make the most of it. I know exactly what I’m going to do, so either way I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/iM4GIBmDfr

— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) January 21, 2026

When a reporter asked James for an answer because he didn’t hear his name during the Western Conference All-Star Game announcement, LeBron replied, “No, not at all.

Although James was not active in last year’s All-Star Game, he was named the starter before attending the all-star event in San Francisco.

Insider Compares LeBron James’ Scolding to Michael Jordan’s

Lakers veteran LeBron James recently reached 51,000 career pointsas he continues to play at a high level in his unprecedented 23rd season. The only time he didn’t make the All-Star game was in his rookie campaign, and the campaign before that was Hall of Fame guard Michael Jordan’s final season. James was not selected as a starter in this year’s All-Star Game for the first time since he made his All-Star debut in 2005.

Jordan, in his final NBA season, not announced as a starter for the Eastern Conference in his final All-Star game, which could be the case for James, as Mark Spears pointed out, according to ESPN’s NBA Today.

“Michael Jordan went through the same thing in 2003,” he said. “The difference is that Michael Jordan said he was retiring.”

“Michael Jordan went through the same thing in 2003. The difference is that Michael Jordan said he was retiring.”@MarcJSpears about LeBron James not being named an All-Star starter for the first time since 2004 🏀 pic.tvitter.com/pkiINLJ9vR

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 20, 2026

The All-Star game reserves will be announced later this week.