NBA

Shannon Sharpe Calls Out LeBron James For Pulling Out Of All-Star Game At Last Minute

Author photo
By
Dan Girolamo
Author photo
Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

Get to know Dan Girolamo better
Sports Editor

Published17 Feb 2025

Disclosure
We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.
Shannon Sharpe on First Take.

ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe is one of LeBron James’ loudest supporters. Despite his constant support, Sharpe was disappointed with James’ last-minute decision to pull out of the All-Star Game.

Shannon Sharpe Disappointed In LeBron James For ASG Decision

On Monday’s First Take, Sharpe spoke about James’ decision to pull out of the All-Star Game just hours before the game.

Sharpe is not mad at James for sitting out. He’s upset that “The King” waited until the day of the game to make the decision.

“I’m disappointed in LeBron,” Sharpe said. “I believe that LeBron knew on Wednesday night after the game that he wasn’t gonna play. He could’ve did the exact same thing that Giannis [Antetokounmpo] did. Giannis said that he’s not gonna play. Adam Silver was able to name Trae Young as his replacement. Giannis still showed up, put on his uniform, and supported.”

Sharpe continued, “If the reports are true, LeBron didn’t even arrive until Saturday. I just don’t get it. I believe that Norman Powell was deserving.”

Host Molly Qerim joked that Stephen A. Smith had a “mild heart attack” with his reaction to Sharpe’s rant.

“If you’re not going to play, give someone else the opportunity to fill that spot,” Sharpe said. “Left Shaq with just seven guys instead of the customary eight. I did not agree with this decision guys. I thought LeBron in this situation was selfish. He knew he wasn’t gonna play.”

After poking fun at Sharpe for criticizing his favorite player, Smith also agreed with the take.

“Selfish? LeBron? Oh my Lord. Did you bring it this morning,” Smith said. “You’re damn right he’s selfish. You’re damn right he was.”

TNT Crew Also Disappointed In LeBron’s Decision

Sharpe and Smith were not the only NBA analysts to criticize James’ decision.

Draymond Green, Vince Carter, and Jalen Rose voiced their displeasure with James’ last-minute snub.

Green believes James could have said this “earlier,” while Carter mentioned other “worthy” players who could have played in the game.

“He took a roster spot from somebody,” Rose said.

Shaq’s OG’s won the All-Star Game tournament.