LeBron James did not block anyone from the All-Star game last season. The timing simply did not allow it. Rich Paul explained on Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul that LeBron’s late scratch was not about selfishness and that there was not enough time for someone like Norman Powell to step in.
Injuries and logistics were the weal issue
Paul said, “What people don’t understand is that when you are in a situation where there are replacements and things like that… a lot of times the league looks to replace somebody right there on the spot… guys go on vacation…. It is not always as easy as you think it may be.”
In other words, last-minute substitutions are complicated, even for deserving players. LeBron James was ruled out roughly two hours before tipoff due to injury, sparking backlash. Some argued that Powell could have been added and experienced his first All-Star appearance.
However, Paul stressed that LeBron’s absence was not selfish. “I think that if he could somehow help a first-time All-Star make the All-Star team and have that experience, he would love to do that.”
Considering LeBron’s competitive nature, it could be fair to assume he tried everything possible to play. If he had known earlier that he could not, he likely would have spoken up.
Powell’s frustration was understandable. Last season, he carried a heavy offensive load for the Los Angeles Clippers while Kawhi Leonard was sidelined. He was averaging nearly 25 points a game, proving he could handle big moments.
Even though he made a real case, blaming LeBron misses the reality that injuries, timing, and league logistics all created a situation that was unavoidable.
This season, Powell has proven he belongs on the big stage. Now with the Miami Heat, he is averaging 24 points per game, shooting efficiently from the field, and knocking down 41.4 percent of his threes. He has shown that he no longer needs a replacement opportunity to validate himself.
LeBron is also still making history. At 41 years old, he is trying to extend his streak to 22 straight All-Star appearances while continuing to perform at a high level. While some believe the streak might finally come to an end this year, people around the league still believe he will suit up when that time comes.
In the case last season, circumstances left no easy solution. It was not drama, it was not malice, and it certainly was not LeBron keeping someone else out.