LeBron James blasts NBA's plans to hold an All-Star Game during Covid

LeBron James blasts NBA’s plans to hold an All-Star Game as a ‘slap in the face’ amid the coronavirus pandemic as Los Angeles Lakers star has ‘zero energy and zero excitement’ for it

  • The NBA had scrapped All-Star Weekend this term due to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • However, reports claim the NBA are looking to hold an All-Star Game on March 7
  • LeBron James had a shortened season due to the LA Lakers’ title win last season
  • Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox say it’s ‘stupid’ if the Atlanta event happens

LeBron James has condemned the NBA for reportedly pressing ahead with the idea to stage an All-Star Game this season, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

All-Star Weekend, which was due to be held in Indianapolis in February, was initially scrapped this season to minimise the possible spread of Covid-19 and to ease the burden on players after a short turnaround of the 2019-20 season, which ended in October.

An All-Star Game this term is yet to be announced but is increasingly likely – with Atlanta the host city on March 7.

LeBron James has slammed the NBA’s reported plans for holding an All-Star Game next month

All-Star Weekend was scrapped this term but now an All-Star Game could happen on March 7

The 16-time All-Star and was among the leading vote-getters in the first round of fan voting

And if that does become finalised then James, who only had 71 days off due to the Los Angeles Lakers title success last season, will not be pleased with the decision.

‘I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game,’ the 16-time All-Star James, who was among the leading vote-getters in the first round of fan voting, said after the Lakers 114-93 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

‘I am not happy about it. If I am selected I will be there physically but not mentally.

‘We came off a short off-season of 71 days and then coming into the season we were told we were not going to have an All-Star Game so we would have a nice little break. Then they throw an All-Star Game on us like this.

‘It is pretty much a slap in the face. We are still dealing with pandemic and we are going to bring the whole league into a city that is open.’

The 36-year-old says the potential Atlanta event is a ‘slap in the face’ amid the Covid pandemic

Sacramento Kings point De’Aaron Fox echoed the 36-year-old’s sentiments slamming the NBA’s decision as ‘stupid’ if the All-Star Game goes ahead.

‘If I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,’ the 23-year-old said.

‘If we have to wear a mask and do all of this for a regular game, then what’s the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?

‘Obviously, money makes the world go round, so it is what it is.’

However, Fox, who was speaking after Sacramento’s 116-111 win over Boston Celtics, said he would play if picked.

‘You know you get fined,’ he added. ‘If you’re supposed to be in it and you’re not hurt and you decide not to play, that’s a hefty fine, so I would play in it.’

Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox says it would be ‘stupid’ if the All-Star Game goes ahead 




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article