For two decades, LeBron James was an active part during the All-Star weekend. But this one was different, due to an ongoing injury. “You won’t see anything from me tonight, unfortunately. I will not be in uniform tonight, still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort.” At the last hour, the King spoke to the media about his unavailability. Not just fans, but even former champions and veterans of the game were upset, too. One of them was Kendrick Perkins, who first expressed his frustration on X and then as an analyst.

“Do I have a problem with LeBron James missing the All-Star game at the age of 40 because of injury? Absolutely not. But it’s how he did it. And he knew that he wasn’t going to play when he probably was selected to play in the All-Star game.” The former Celtics champion on GetUpESPN was not happy with how the Lakers superstar handled the entire situation at the last hour.

“How about giving people a heads up, not showing up to the actual All-Star weekend, you know, hour before the game starts. Then all of a sudden you have taken away from another guy that probably should have earned to be there and earned to be in the All-Star game.” Kendrick Perkins continued and pointed out how other players could have had the opportunity. Which is similar to Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation.

Because of injuries, both of them were replaced as Kyrie Irving and Trae Young got the opportunity, respectively. Perkins even suggested Norman Powell as a potential player who missed out just like he mentioned earlier in the day. “Could have said this earlier. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH.” If you know the player turned analyst, then he did not stop there and called out LeBron James for selfish behavior.

“Put your damn uniform on Bron! I mean damn, you messed up the whole damn picture.” Apart from taking someone’s spot, Kendrick Perkins was also upset about the 4x NBA champion not wearing the All-Star threads during Shaq’s OG’s photoshoot. LeBron was the only one wearing casuals, while the rest of the team was in uniform. That’s why the former champion said, “It came off as him being selfish, it looked very selfish on his part.”

Even the Bucks star Antetokounmpo was injured, yet he showed up for the entire weekend. He also did press conferences and all other events leading up to the All-Star game. Plus, the Greek Freak donned Chuck’s Global Stars jersey and participated in the photoshoot. And it’s not just Perkins who were unhappy about LeBron James.

The King’s decision did not please Kendrick Perkins, amongst others

Even during the practice sessions a day before, the Lakers superstar was absent. Which did raise eyebrows, but at that point there was no official confirmation of him missing. Right at the end, during the press conference, King James revealed he was dealing with ankle soreness. He also “hoped” he would be available Wednesday in the Lakers’ first game after the All-Star break against the Charlotte Hornets.

Still, the decision did not sit well with many. Draymond Green, who was on the analyst desk, didn’t hold back. “I think [LeBron James] coulda helped somebody else out and said this earlier…” Vince Carter, too, shared his disappointment with the last-minute decision.”There are a lot of guys who are worthy.” Just like Kendrick Perkins, even Jalen Rose stated: “He took a roster spot from somebody.”

Let’s not forget that none of them are downplaying the injury. But were unhappy since any other deserving player would have made the cut. However, some sided with LeBron James’ approach. So whose are you on?