LeBron complaining about all star game

[Donoghus]

I don’t really get the point if there is going to be no fans etc to fly all these guys to the all star game. Seems kind of pointless and I’d argue since a lot of these teams have been short staffed due to contract tracing etc, the players would be better off just getting the rest tbh. I get the financial thing and the implications of advertising, tv air time, etc. so it makes sense the league is trying to recoup as much money as possible.

Think you nailed it.  Money.   One of the huge allures of the all star game is all the festivities around all star weekend.  Events, parties, clinics, etc...    In the middle of the pandemic, there is really none of that or its severely minimalized.   Kinda reminds me of bowl season when all those schools started pulling out. What was the point if near or all of the allure around it was eliminated?

Just seems like a money grab here by the NBA.

[jambr380]

Imagine being a player just trying to stick in the league and hearing James say something as entitled as this. I understand concerns with Covid, but he doesn't even really bring that up; just about wanting extra rest. Lebron likely wouldn't have even won a Title last season if he and AD weren't given 4 months to completely heal and get ready for the playoff bubble. For some players, this will be the only All-Star game they ever get invited to - I'm pretty put off by his lack of appreciation for what the NBA has done for him and his legacy.

except he did.

"We're also still dealing with a pandemic," James said. "We're still dealing with everything that's been going on, and we're going to bring the whole league into one city that's open? Obviously, the pandemic has absolutely nothing to do with it at this point when it comes to that weekend.

"Obviously, you guys can see that I'm not very happy about it."

He also said he would participate if selected

"It's the agreement that the players' association and the league came about. ... It's out of my hands," James said. "I'll be there if I'm selected. But I'll be there physically, but not mentally."

Sure, but the majority of what he said was about not getting enough rest. Thanks for posting that other part, though - it does give additional context. I'm inclined to agree with what gift said. Complaining about it after it's been decided - especially when you're the face of this generation of the NBA - just isn't great optics and sounds immature and entitled.

[Moranis]

Imagine being a player just trying to stick in the league and hearing James say something as entitled as this. I understand concerns with Covid, but he doesn't even really bring that up; just about wanting extra rest. Lebron likely wouldn't have even won a Title last season if he and AD weren't given 4 months to completely heal and get ready for the playoff bubble. For some players, this will be the only All-Star game they ever get invited to - I'm pretty put off by his lack of appreciation for what the NBA has done for him and his legacy.

except he did.

"We're also still dealing with a pandemic," James said. "We're still dealing with everything that's been going on, and we're going to bring the whole league into one city that's open? Obviously, the pandemic has absolutely nothing to do with it at this point when it comes to that weekend.

"Obviously, you guys can see that I'm not very happy about it."

He also said he would participate if selected

"It's the agreement that the players' association and the league came about. ... It's out of my hands," James said. "I'll be there if I'm selected. But I'll be there physically, but not mentally."

Sure, but the majority of what he said was about not getting enough rest. Thanks for posting that other part, though - it does give additional context. I'm inclined to agree with what gift said. Complaining about it after it's been decided - especially when you're the face of this generation of the NBA - just isn't great optics and sounds immature and entitled.

I disagree. I think the league is being simple minded and money driven and it is a bad look.  They absolutely should cancel the All Star game.  That is the correct move and frankly if I'm a player like Lebron I just wouldn't go and I don't think any of them should go.  Just not a good look for the league.

[PAOBoston]

I don’t really get the point if there is going to be no fans etc to fly all these guys to the all star game. Seems kind of pointless and I’d argue since a lot of these teams have been short staffed due to contract tracing etc, the players would be better off just getting the rest tbh. I get the financial thing and the implications of advertising, tv air time, etc. so it makes sense the league is trying to recoup as much money as possible.

Think you nailed it.  Money.   One of the huge allures of the all star game is all the festivities around all star weekend.  Events, parties, clinics, etc...    In the middle of the pandemic, there is really none of that or its severely minimalized.   Kinda reminds me of bowl season when all those schools started pulling out. What was the point if near or all of the allure around it was eliminated?

Just seems like a money grab here by the NBA.

My other issue is it is in Atlanta, the strip club capital of the world lol. You think James Harden gonna pass on a weekend there? Lol. Also, I saw a tweet saying players will be allowed to travel to like Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands/Hawaii to get away. To me, it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen when players go back to their respective teams. Covid/contact tracing out the wazoo.

[Kernewek]

League is doing everything it can to find revenue. They were down 10% last year, even with getting a big part of the season in. This year, with largely empty stadiums and fewer games, it'll be even more.

Players are mostly getting their $$$. Easy for them to complain about meaningless games, it's the owners taking it in the shorts.

I'm not sure I can imagine a world where the league ownership is suffering financially compared to the players. It certainly isn't this one.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

For once, I agree with LeBron. Foolish to have an all-star game. LeBron should just not go. The league will fine him, but big deal, it'll just be a slap on the wrist.

[SHAQATTACK]

when has his divaness ever complained about anything 

[Birdman]

What’s new?

[CelticsElite]

Honestly, I think its pretty stupid the league is even trying to pull this off in the pandemic.  It's unnecessary.  I have no qualms with the players complaining about this.

agreed. Pretty irresponsible

Fox also came out stating it shouldn't happen

now that big boy Lebron has spoken

NBA probably won't do it.   Perhaps just announce who is on the team.  Mid season type award/popularity

how do you guys expect the teams to play the players without finding ways to increase revenue? The teams have little
Little money coming in

[liam]

LeBron complains like the rest of us breath...

[CelticsElite]

For once, I agree with LeBron. Foolish to have an all-star game. LeBron should just not go. The league will fine him, but big deal, it'll just be a slap on the wrist.

will the salary money come out of thin air then?

[blink]

LeBron complains like the rest of us breath...

lol this was my take as well.  when the first thing I read is him complaining about not as much rest I just start shaking my head....

Maybe if he would have made his main point be the covid 19, then it seems more legit to me.  I am not one of the Lebron haters, because he has done good stuff outside of basketball as well.  But for the face of the NBA it seems kind of whiny after the fact.

[liam]

LeBron complains like the rest of us breath...

lol this was my take as well.  when the first thing I read is him complaining about not as much rest I just start shaking my head....

Maybe if he would have made his main point be the covid 19, then it seems more legit to me.  I am not one of the Lebron haters, because he has done good stuff outside of basketball as well.  But for the face of the NBA it seems kind of whiny after the fact.

Yeah, LeBron has a point he's just always whining and crying so I just tune him out! 

[CelticsElite]

LeBron complains like the rest of us breath...

lol this was my take as well.  when the first thing I read is him complaining about not as much rest I just start shaking my head....

Maybe if he would have made his main point be the covid 19, then it seems more legit to me.  I am not one of the Lebron haters, because he has done good stuff outside of basketball as well.  But for the face of the NBA it seems kind of whiny after the fact.

Yeah, LeBron has a point he's just always whining and crying so I just tune him out! 

what’s funny is he’s complaining about something that’ll help pay him and the other players. 

[Erik]

The NBA is a business and they play to generate revenue. What is the difference between the all star game and any other game ? These are non essential workers. It seems bizarre that this is the line in the sand where morality supersedes money.