Kevin Garnett isn’t holding back when it comes to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game-and this time, his message is aimed directly at the fans. On the latest episode of his KG: Certified podcast, the Hall of Famer made it clear: he doesn’t believe LeBron James wants to suit up for the midseason showcase, and he’s urging voters to take that into account.
“LeBron does not want to play in the All-Star Game,” Garnett said. “All you people out there that’s going to vote for Bron, save your vote. He didn’t play in it last year.”
Garnett’s comments come with LeBron in the midst of his 23rd NBA season-a number that still feels surreal. At 40 years old, James is not just hanging on; he’s contributing at a level that most players a decade younger would envy. After dealing with a sciatica issue during the offseason, the four-time MVP has returned to the court and suited up in 11 games so far this year.
And while his season averages-20.2 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game on 48% shooting-might not jump off the page compared to his peak numbers, they don’t tell the full story. Over his last five outings, LeBron has turned up the dial in a big way.
He’s averaging 27.6 points, 7.2 boards, and 6.2 assists per game, with added contributions on the defensive end: 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest. He’s also shooting a blistering 53.8% from the field during that stretch, showing flashes of the same explosiveness and control that’s defined his Hall of Fame career.
Kevin Garnett isn't holding back when it comes to LeBron James and the All-Star Game.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025
On his show @kg_certified, he said:
"LeBron does not want to play in the All-Star game… Listen, all you people out there that's going to vote for Bron, save your vote. He didn't play in it… pic.twitter.com/Q9yXEZkDMo
That surge included a vintage 36-point effort in a 103-88 loss to the Clippers-his most assertive scoring performance since returning to action. It was a reminder that even in Year 23, LeBron still has the ability to take over a game when the moment calls for it.
Still, Garnett’s point isn’t about whether LeBron deserves to be an All-Star. It’s about whether he wants to be one this season.
Last year, James skipped the 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco due to lingering discomfort in his left foot and ankle. That absence snapped a remarkable streak of 20 straight All-Star appearances.
Even with that missed game, he still holds the all-time record with 21 All-Star selections.
So the question now becomes: should fans vote LeBron in again, knowing he may not play?
It’s a fair debate. On one hand, the All-Star Game is a celebration of the league’s best and most popular players-and LeBron still checks both boxes. On the other hand, if he’s not planning to participate, that spot could go to another deserving player who’s eager to make their All-Star debut or return to the stage.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have more immediate concerns. At 19-8, they’re in the thick of the Western Conference race, but Saturday’s loss to the Clippers was a reminder that nothing comes easy in this league. They’ll look to bounce back on Tuesday night when they face the 15-13 Phoenix Suns on the road.
After that, the Lakers return home for a five-game homestand that kicks off on Christmas Day. The holiday slate begins with a marquee matchup against the 17-9 Houston Rockets, set for 8:00 p.m.
ET on ABC and ESPN. It’s the kind of stage that’s tailor-made for LeBron, and it could offer another glimpse of just how much he still has left in the tank-even if the All-Star Game isn’t part of his plans this year.