How Kyrie Irving showed support for reporters in Gaza at NBA All-Star Weekend
To show his support for journalists in Gaza during NBA All-Star Weekend 2026, The Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving wore a special shirt.
Al Jazeera notes that Irving put on a shirt that read “PRESS” during NBA All-Star Weekend, honoring journalists covering the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
They also noted that the tag on the T-shirt, which he wore on Sunday, February 15, 2026, read: “Dedicated to our beloved journalists in Gaza who show the world the truth.”
This is in contrast to quotes from his former teammate on Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James, who talked about his fans in Israel and his desire to visit.
“I’ve never been there, but if I have fans there, I hope you’ve followed my career,” James said. “I hope to inspire people out there to not only want to be great in sports, but to be better in general, in life. I hope to make it there one day. I’ve heard nothing but great things.”
Did Kyrie Irving play at NBA All-Star Weekend?
Irving was not selected as an NBA All-Star in 2026 because he has yet to play this season. He tore his ACL during a game against the Sacramento Kings in March 2025.
Despite this, Irving re-signed with the Mavericks in free agency. He is currently rehabbing from the injury and said he will provide an update “after the All-Star break.” So fans should expect an update on his status for the rest of the season soon.
Irving is no stranger to All-Star weekend. He is a nine-time All-Star, most recently named in 2025. He is also a former NBA All-Star Game MFA (2014).
From 2023, Irving plays for the Mavericks. He previously played with the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. He is a former first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Duke.
2026-02-16 17:30:00
