The NBA All-Star Game on Sunday featured the greatest stars in the sport showing off their skillsets. However, it was an early night for both All-Star Game captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo scored on the first play of the game, but quickly issued an intentional foul shortly after, subbing himself out for the remainder of the game.
Giannis throws it down for the first bucket of the game 😤#NBAAllStar | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/lQ2xfxhdw3
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2023
This appeared to be planned as the two-time MVP came into the game with a sprained wrist.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, with his sprained wrist taped, scores the first bucket of the game then fouls Dončić and subs himself out.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) February 20, 2023
However, LeBron’s early departure is perhaps more concerning for Los Angeles Lakers fans. James played 14 minutes in the first half, but it was revealed that he would not return in the second half after injuring his hand on a block attempt.
LeBron James is OUT for the rest of the All-Star Game due to a hand injury, per the TNT broadcast.pic.twitter.com/jZ43AYwoci
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2023
LeBron is done for the rest of the #NBAAllstar game after injuring his finger on this block in the first half. pic.twitter.com/HNTBIC01G9
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 20, 2023
This is obviously the worst-case scenario for Lakers fans hoping to bounce back in the second half of the season. Many took to social media to offer their best wishes for LeBron.
Hate to hear this: LeBron is out for the 2nd half after hitting his hand on the rim. Expected him to make a push for MVP. For the Lakers' sake, hope he's OK for Thurs night vs GSt. He says the last 23 games are "most important of his regular season career." Lakers sit 13th.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 20, 2023
Really hope LeBron is not be seriously injured. Lakers have 23 games to go and I'm going to lose it if he isn't 100 because of the All-Star Game.
— Gabe Ramirez (@GabeRamirez) February 20, 2023
Others simply feel that this All-Star game is lacking due to massive stars either being ruled out before the game like Kevin Durant and Steph Curry or during the game like Lebron and Giannis.
LeBron, Giannis, Steph, and KD all injured for the All-Star game STINKS
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) February 20, 2023
This game is desperately missing Giannis, Steph, KD, Zion and LeBron.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 20, 2023
James’ early exit may also just be precautionary, especially since he seemed to be in good spirits during a half-time honor for breaking the scoring record earlier this year.
Dwyane Wade introduces LeBron James as the all-time NBA scorer next to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone at the 2023 All-Star Game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y1Vi8gefvP
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2023
Regardless, it is never fun for fans to not have the biggest stars shining the brightest during the All-Star game, and the absence of Giannis and LeBron appears to be a big one for many fans.
