‘Soft as butter’ – LeBron James divides opinion by sitting out All-Star Game as fans make telling Michael Jordan comparison

LeBron James sat out the NBA’s All-Star Game on Sunday night, marking the first time he was selected but didn’t participate in the mid-season showcase.

The Los Angeles Lakers star announced that he would miss the mini-tournament just 90 minutes before it was set to start, due to lingering discomfort in his left foot and ankle.

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James, 40, sat out the Lakers’ win over the Indiana Pacers last weekend because of the issue.

The 22-year veteran also skipped Saturday’s ceremonial practice and media availability, the same routine he kept for All-Star Weekend the past two seasons, with the NBA granting him the reprieve after two decades of service.

“I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be,” James said of his ankle, confirming he would sit out the game.

He added that he ‘hoped’ he would be available for the Lakers’ first game after the All-Star break, against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Los Angeles are currently No. 5 in the Western Conference with a 32-20 record, and James has suggested he needs to keep his body right for a playoff push.

He said: “With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild West, I felt like it was very important for me to kind of take care of myself and understand what’s coming on.”

Despite battling injury issues and prioritizing a playoff push, James divided fans with his decision to pull out of the All-Star Game so late.

Some even compared him to Michael Jordan, who in his final season, played all 82 games and started in the All-Star game days before his 40th birthday.

“Friendly reminder: Jordan at age 40 on one leg played ALL 82 games and started in the All-Star game,” one fan wrote, responding to the news that LeBron was sitting out the game.

“He would have his knee painfully drained of liquid after every game. His own teammates were shocked that he kept playing.”

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Others took the comparisons even further, with one writing: “Michael Jordan had more competitive fire in his left toe than LeBron has shown in his entire 20-year career.”

“NBA and LeBron are soft as butter. Ratings dropping every year,” a third person suggested, while a fourth wrote: “It means more to some people.”

While some fans were quick to criticize LeBron’s decision to sit out the All-Star Game, others defended him for prioritizing a playoff run with the Lakers, suggesting the MJ comparisons were unfair.

“How many playoff games did Jordan win that year? If LeBron is healthy for the playoffs will it be worth it?” one asked.

“We can’t judge players as if championships are the only thing that matters and then critique them for doing everything in their power to be healthy for the playoffs.”

Another added: “LeBron is still the best player on his team at the age of 40. People will hate just to hate I swear.”

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Meanwhile, a third said: “Bron still plays at the highest level and is on a team that’s fighting to make a deep playoff run.

“Why would he risk himself at this age in a meaningless exhibition when he’s that valuable to his team?”

While many fans would have been disappointed not to see James suit up, his commitment to the All-Star Game shouldn’t be questioned.

Sunday night was the first showcase that LeBron has sat out in his career, after being selected a starter for a record 21st straight year in 2025.

He is also averaging 24.3 points, 9.0 assists and 7.7 rebounds this season for the Lakers, having appeared in 48 of 52 games so far.

With a chance to make another playoff run this late in his career, it’s little surprise that he wants to keep himself in the best shape he can down the stretch.