SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James announced late Sunday afternoon that he will not play in the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center on Sunday night.
The forward, in his 22nd season in the NBA, divulged the news during his scheduled press conference two hours before tipoff, telling the assembled media that he is fighting pain in his foot and ankle area.
James’ record streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts will thus come to an end.
“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I wanted to be,” James said.
James’ team, Shaq’s OG’s, will not be able to add a replacement All-Star player on such short notice. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden are among James’ teammates that will have to pick up the slack in his absence.
James said he needed to prioritize the Lakers’ push for the playoffs and be smart with his body with the NBA’s stretch run approaching. He played against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, and the Lakers will play at home against Charlotte on Wednesday.
“Trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, it’s very important for me to take care of myself,” James said. “I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”
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