Kevin Garnett says fans shouldn't give All-Star votes to LeBron

Basketball Hall of Fame member Kevin Garnett recently had interesting comments about Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James’ All-Star candidacy on Friday.

Garnett was joined by former teammate Paul Pierce on his “KG: Certified” podcast. He said fans shouldn’t vote for James to be an All-Star because he isn’t going to play in the game.

“LeBron does not want to play in the All-Star game,” Garnett said. “Listen, all you people out there that are going to vote for LeBron, save your vote. He didn’t play in it last year. Why would you expect him to play it this year?”

Pierce agreed, stating that the Lakers shouldn’t have three players selected as All-Stars,

"He’s not going to make it,” Pierce said. “You can’t get three from the Lakers.”

James missed last season’s All-Star game due to foot and ankle injuries. The absence ended his 20-year streak of playing in the event. He’s made 21 All-Star teams in his career, the most in NBA history. Former Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and Kobe Bryant (18) trail James for most appearances.

Garnett later said James may be selected due to the game being held in Los Angeles. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are two likely All-Stars from the Lakers.

“That’s how you know they’re going to get three in,” Garnett said. “How can’t you give them three in? It’s in LA. The Clippers aren’t getting anybody in.”

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game starts February 15 at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The game will have a new format, featuring two U.S. teams and one world team playing in a round-robin format.

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