NBA fans were not happy to feel the absence of their NBA heroes, and it happened too fast so fans couldn’t take this easily.
On Sunday, the NBA’s best players competed in the league’s annual All-Star Game. Both LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who were captains for the All-Star Game, turned in early.
The game started with a basket by Antetokounmpo, but he committed an intentional foul immediately afterwards and was subsequently benched for the rest of the competition.
Giannis throws it down for the first bucket of the game š¤#NBAAllStar | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/lQ2xfxhdw3
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2023
The two-time MVP injured his wrist before the game, but it seemed like it was intentional.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, with his sprained wrist taped, scores the first bucket of the game then fouls DonÄiÄ and subs himself out.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) February 20, 2023
Nevertheless, Los Angeles Lakers fans have more to worry about with LeBron’s premature departure. After hurting his hand on a block attempt, James was only able to play 14 minutes in the first half and did not come back for the second.
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
Obviously, this is the worst possible news for Lakers supporters looking for a strong second half of the season. Several others wished LeBron well on social media.
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
For others, the absence of superstars like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and even LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the All-Star Game feeling underwhelming.
LeBron, Giannis, Steph, and KD all injured for the All-Star game STINKS
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) February 20, 2023
LeBron, Giannis, Steph, and KD all injured for the All-Star game STINKS
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) February 20, 2023
James’ early departure may possibly be considered preventative, given that he appeared to be in high spirits during a half-time ceremony for shattering the scoring mark before 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 š„ pic.twitter.com/Y1Vi8gefvP
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2023
Fans’ disappointment at the lack of Giannis and LeBron at the All-Star game is understandable.
