For as intriguing as the new format may be, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game has made headlines for reasons Adam Silver is unlikely to be happy about. Just as excitement appeared to be building, the Association encountered a minor controversy ahead of and during the games.
Unfortunately, Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis is the biggest loser of what could be accurately described as an avoidable issue.
Sabonis is in the midst of yet another remarkable season. Unfortunately, the annual tradition of one of the best and most productive players in the NBA being snubbed from the All-Star Game continued in 2025—a controversy that became more tense once the games began.
Mere hours before tip-off, James made the shocking decision to opt against playing in the All-Star Game due to a pre-existing injury.
LeBron James will not play in tonight’s All-Star Game, he says. He will rest, to help his lingering foot and ankle discomfort.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 16, 2025
Many have since pointed out that James could've made this decision earlier and thus presented the NBA with an opportunity to name an alternate All-Star—with Sabonis being a leading candidate.
LeBron's last-minute decision rubs salt in Domantas Sabonis' wound
Sabonis has been sensational for the 28-27 Kings during the 2024-25 regular season. He's appeared in 52 games, scoring with remarkable efficiency, setting the pace for the NBA as a rebounder, and creating for others as well as any big below the Nikola Jokic line.
That's reflected in Sabonis' 2024-25 season averages of 20.4 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.2 offensive boards, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 three-point field goals made on .600/.455/.751 shooting.
Sabonis leads the NBA in rebounding, ranks third in three-point field goal percentage, and is 16th among qualified players in eFG%. He's also second among centers in assists per game, as well as seventh in scoring.
If his current pace holds, it would be the third consecutive season in which Sabonis has led the NBA in rebounds per game.
The most baffling element of Sabonis' past two snubs is the simple fact that he previously earned proper distinctions. He made three All-Star Game appearances between 2020 and 2023, and earned All-NBA honors in both 2023 and 2024.
Rather than being a four-time All-Star at 28 years of age, however, his résumé is without an accolade that the NBA should've had the chance to reward him with.
To make matters worse, James wasn't the only player who made a last-second decision to sit out. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards shockingly played a grand total of zero minutes during the Team Chuck versus Team Kenny game.
Unfortunately, it's another year without an All-Star nod for Sabonis despite the quality that warrants respect and the injury absences the NBA should've been allowed to account for.