LeBron James is skipping NBA All-Star Media Day this year - again - but make no mistake, the spotlight will find him soon enough.
As he heads into his 22nd All-Star appearance, the Lakers’ veteran won’t be part of the usual pre-weekend media circuit. Instead, he’ll speak to reporters on Sunday before suiting up for what could be his final All-Star Game.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. LeBron has taken this approach in recent years, and the league confirmed he’s doing the same this time around.
But while the media might not get its LeBron soundbites until game day, his play has been doing plenty of talking.
At 41 years old and in his 23rd NBA season, James is still operating at an elite level - and not just in flashes, but night in and night out. He dropped a triple-double on the Mavericks Thursday night - 28 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists - leading the Lakers to a dominant 124-104 win.
That’s not just veteran savvy or coasting on experience. That’s high-level production, and it’s helping fuel a 7-4 stretch for L.A. heading into the break.
Head coach JJ Redick, in his first year at the helm, didn’t hold back when asked about his star’s impact. Redick, who’s seen plenty of greatness during his own playing days, is still in awe of what LeBron is doing - and more importantly, how he’s doing it.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” Redick said postgame. “I recognize that on a daily basis.”
Redick pointed to something beyond the box score: LeBron’s relentless professionalism. The way he prepares.
The way he cares. The way he still treats each game like it matters - because to him, it does.
“He’s gonna get another ‘oldest player to do X, Y, Z,’” Redick said. “He’s gonna further cement his scoring record.
He’s gonna do all those things. But it’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing. . .he’s got a 23-year prime basically.
There’s different versions of him, but that’s what’s remarkable.”
That’s the thing with LeBron: the numbers are historic, the accolades are endless, but the engine behind it all - the consistency, the discipline, the will - is what truly sets him apart.
So while the All-Star Game will be filled with younger stars and fresh narratives, Sunday will also be a celebration of sustained greatness. LeBron James may not be at Media Day, but he’ll be at center stage soon enough. And as always, he’ll be ready.