Image via Getty / Shareif Ziyadat / FilmMagic
On the eve of the 2021 NBA All-Star game, League Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about LeBron James’ public opposition to the annual event.
The Lakers star made the comments in early February, when the league was finalizing its plans for the All-Star Weekend in Atlanta. James told reporters that he did not understand why NBA officials were considering pursuing the mid-season game before expressing frustration at the shortened off-season and the apparent disregard for potential health risks.
“I don’t have the energy and enthusiasm for an All-Star game this year,” said James after the Lakers’ February 4 victory over the Denver Nuggets. “I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star game, but it’s the agreement that the players’ association and the league came about … It’s kind of a slap in the face.”
And we are still dealing with a pandemic, we are still dealing with everything that is happening, and we are going to bring the whole league to a city that is open. So, obviously, the pandemic has absolutely nothing to do with it right now, when it comes to that weekend. Obviously, you can see that I’m not happy about it, but it’s out of my hands … I’ll be there physically, but not mentally, ”James continued.
Silver addressed James ‘comments during a press conference on Saturday night, insisting that he respected James’ point of view.
LeBron James criticized the All-Star game. Commissioner Adam Silver says he respects the opinion of the Lakers star and the professionalism with which he conducted the draft of the All-Star. pic.twitter.com/L0P3J0QJOF
– USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) March 6, 2021
“We are all part of a community. I respect him and his point of view, ”said the commissioner. “In addition, at the same time, I thank him for his professionalism … My feeling is that he will be here, as always, as a first-rate professional and engaged in the game. Once again, I respect your point of view, but it seems that these are issues that can be resolved in the family, so to speak. “
James and Kevin Durant will serve as team captains at Sunday’s ASG, held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The event will include the traditional Skill Challenge, the 3 Point Contest and the Slam Dunk Contest. However, there will be no public events sanctioned by the NBA during the All-Star Weekend – a decision that was made based on the concerns of COVID-19.
The league recently confirmed that it sent about 200 cease and desist letters to Atlanta party promoters using the All-Star logo and name to promote parties.
“The message within the NBA community is that we are going to operate in a small bubble,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN this week. “There will be no NBA functions [for fans] to participate. We appreciate your support and hope that you will watch our All-Star Game on television … this is an exclusive television event in Atlanta. “
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