“Played if Bronny James was rising star” – LeBron James called out by Chandler Parsons for All-Star controversy
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons rips into LeBron James for backing out of All-Star Weekend at the last minute.
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Chandler Parsons torches LeBron James for opting out of All-Star game
During the All-Star Weekend on Sunday, just about 90 minutes before the highly anticipated All-Star Game, LeBron James backed out at the very last moment. Defending his decision, James cited ongoing foot and ankle discomfort. This resolution by the King was met with massive backlash from fans and analysts alike.
Among his biggest critics was former NBA player Chandler Parsons. On the latest installment of FanDuel’s Run It Back, Parsons didn’t beat around the bush. He took shots at the 40-year-old legend, saying he would have participated if Bronny James were part of the 2025 All-Star festivities. Here’s what the 36-year-old retired athlete had to say:
Here’s the problem I have with LeBron James not wanting to play against the Rising Stars. All these other NBA players have to play against his son because LeBron has kinda put him in that situation, who’s a rising star. So, what’s the difference now? He doesn’t want to play against the young guys.
Chandler Parsons on LeBron James
"The problem I have with LeBron James not wanting to play against the Rising Stars is all these other NBA players have to play against his son…
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 17, 2025
Would he have played if Bronny James was a Rising Star?"@ChandlerParsons doesn't mince words on Lebron's Sunday night sit out 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vTwOL2eji6
However, co-host Lou Williams wasn’t having any of Parsons’ argument. Defending James’ decision, Williams said that although the standards are a tad different when it comes to LBJ, it was still a miracle that he even showed up to the game.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t excuse James from robbing other players of their All-Star selection. Infuriated by this, even a die-hard fan of the L-Train, Shannon Sharpe, was critical of James’ choice to withdraw, saying that he was “disappointed in LeBron” and that “LeBron knew on Wednesday night he wasn’t gonna play.”
Kendrick Perkins calls out LeBron James over Norman Powell’s All-Star snub
When the former champion turned analyst Kendrick Perkins learned about LBJ‘s last-minute exit from the All-Star Game, he didn’t hold back. Fumed over the 40-year-old King’s call, Big Perk called out James on ESPN’s Get Up. In his opinion, Los Angeles Clippers’ Norman Powell could have been James’s replacement had he been upfront about his intentions from the get-go.
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 on LeBron James
.@KendrickPerkins reacts to LeBron missing the All-Star Game.
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 17, 2025
"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… pic.twitter.com/HxzqaY6Cu7
Prior to this, he reacted to the news on X, tweeting, “Could have said this earlier. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH.” Reiterating the consensus sentiment, Big Perk basically suggested that King James could have easily navigated the backlash had he been genuine about his intent and more sensible in his ways.
However, despite opting out, LeBron James was still in attendance for the games. Moreover, the King also posed for the All-Star picture alongside his teammates from Shaq’s OG in street clothes.
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Prikshit Malik
(11 Articles Published)