LeBron James ripped for snubbing $90M Norman Powell from All-Star honor with last hour announcement

NBA legend Kendrick Perkins did not hold back against Lakers superstar LeBron James for his last-minute decision regarding NBA All-Stars.

LeBron James ripped for snubbing $90M Norman Powell from All-Star honor with last hour announcement

Kendrick Perkins called out LeBron James last night

LeBron James has been making the headlines once again, but this time for an unwanted reason. Before the 2025 NBA All-Star Sunday event, James opted out due to an injury scare. Under normal circumstances, a replacement could have been sorted out with enough of a notice. But due to James pulling out so late, this was not possible. This left former NBA player and champion, Kendrick Perkins fuming.

According to Perkins, Los Angeles Clippers standout Norman Powell, who has been performing brilliantly would have replaced James. But due to James’ late decision, Powell missed out on an All-Star honor in his career. Perkins lashed out at James and his decision on a recent segment of the NBA on ESPN show.

YouTube video

“Could have said this earlier,” Perkins said. “Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH.”

Kendrick Perkins initially posted on X

“Do I have a problem with LeBron James missing the All-Star game at the age of 40 because of injury? Absolutely not. But it’s how he did it. And he knew that he wasn’t going to play when he probably was selected to play.”

Kendrick Perkins said on the NBA on ESPN show

This season, the 31-year-old Powell is averaging 24.2 points per game on 49.6/42.8/81.9 shooting splits. Many supporters believed that Powell ought to have been selected as an All-Star in the first place. Also, the Clippers star probably would have received the final pick if James had disclosed his injury status a week earlier.

FS Video

Speaking about the choice, James said he has been coping with a comparable injury for years. Also, he needed to opt out of the event to focus on his side’s journey in the NBA this season. In addition, James leads the Lakers in average assists this season with an average of 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.

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LeBron James was left disappointed to break ‘All-Stars appearances’ streak

Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal had chosen LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, to play for Shaq’s OGs. After experiencing a relapse of the ankle problem that has plagued him all season, he chose not to participate in the event. James, surely, was left disappointed with his decision that broke his historic All-Stars appearances streak.

“I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be. With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, I felt like it was very important for me to take care of myself and understand what’s coming.”

LeBron James told the media
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In 2005, James made his debut at the NBA All-Star Game. Reporters also questioned him about whether the Lakers’ historic deal for Doncic would help him play longer by distributing the offensive load. James did not provide a definitive response, stating that he hadn’t ‘given it a thought.’ It remains to be seen how the Lakers legend will perform going forward into the season.