LeBron James has criticised the NBA’s intention to forge ahead with the All-Star Game this season as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“I don’t even know why we’re having an All-Star Game,” James told reporters following the Lakers’ 114-93 win over the Nuggets on Thursday.
James said he had “zero energy and zero excitement” when it came to playing in this year’s midseason showcase.
The NBA had originally decided to skip All-Star Weekend, and James described the league’s change of heart as a “slap in the face”.
The NBA and NBAPA reached an agreement this week to have the All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
James’s comments came just a day after Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox had similarly critical things to say.
“If I’m going to be brutally honest, I think it’s stupid,” Fox told reporters on Wednesday.
“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.”