Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been an All-Star since 2005. To say that he has seen his fair share of All-Star games is an understatement.

Recently, James told reporters that he is not looking forward to the 2021 All-Star Game.

“I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year. I don't even understand why we're having an All-Star Game…[It's] a slap in the face,” via NBA.com.

When asked about his thoughts on the proposed All-Star Game scheduled on March 7 in light of COVID-19, Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox said,” If I'm going to be brutally honest, I think it's stupid,” per ESPN.

The NBA and player union National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), led by veteran point guard Chris Paul will be finalizing the All-Star Game agreement next week. The event will take place in one night and includes just the skills competition and the West versus East game. The travel and safety protocols for the All-Star Game are still being worked out.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives by San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) in the second quarter in the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center.
Ranking the 10 best NBA Playoffs debuts in recent memory
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs as New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) gestures at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play.
Celtics vs. Knicks Game 6 injury report features 1 player besides Jayson Tatum

It's clear that while the NBPA is pushing for the conduct of the All-Star Game, there are players who are not in favor of it. James mentioned the financial justification of staging the event and Fox pointed out that for an All-Star not to participate in the game while uninjured would result in a considerable fine. It must be noted that there is a possibility the NBA and NBPA will provide an opt-out clause for the All-Star Game. Having the biggest names in the sport opt-out defeats the purpose of having the exhibition match in the first place.

The sentiments of LeBron James and De'Aaron Fox are understandable as the pandemic has truly changed the way we live and the world of professional sports is not exempted. This season there have been several games postponed, due to players either testing positive for COVID-19 or being under the NBA's health and safety protocols. Conducting an All-Star Game in its usual format could be a disaster. Players from all over the country will congregate for a series of games and activities. It takes just one positive case to affect all these players and possibly other people. If this happens, then the league will have even more postponed games with which to deal.

The All-Star Game has and always will be for the enjoyment of the fans. Seeing the best players in the world have fun themselves and compete with one another is a sight to behold. There are times when it feels like every possession is worthy of inclusion in the highlight reel. With arenas during game day only allowing limited seating, what is the point of conducting the All-Star Game? While fans can still watch from the comfort of their own homes, the league has to decide whether this is worth the risk or not.

Further, not having the All-Star Game will allow the league's players to get some much-needed rest after the shortened offseason. This was a point raised by LeBron James, who is coming off that memorable 2020 Finals run with the Lakers.

Stopping the All-Star Game would be a difficult decision for the NBA. After all, it is one of the season's highlights along with the opening, Christmas games, playoffs, and the Finals. However, signs point to this being the right decision during these uncertain times.