Early fan voting shows that LeBron James will have his hardest path towards making the All-Star team since his rookie season. James typically dominated the fan vote during most of his legendary career to make the All-Star team every year but one time. However, it appears that LeBron will need the coaches to vote him in for a reserve role unless the fan voting drastically changes.
James’ close friend and agent Rich Paul made a comment on his podcast about LeBron not needing a “charity case” selection:
“I don’t want a charity case for him. If his numbers are good enough to be an All-Star reserve, if he’s not a starter. I think the coaches vote and fans vote. If his numbers aren’t good enough, then let him go on vacation and charge up for the second half of the season. But if his numbers are good enough, the All-Star Game is in L.A.”
Paul makes the point that James should either get selected by voters believing he’s still good enough for the All-Star level or let him rest on vacation if not. LeBron certainly would not mind having a full week to relax for the first time during All-Star weekend since 2004.
Rich Paul Shut Down Draymond Green
The topic about including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron in the All-Star Game if he’s not voted in goes back to Draymond Green. NBA topics are commonly discussed on Green’s podcast, and he is known for showing love to James over the past few seasons to comical levels.
Green suggested that the NBA must find a way to add LeBron to the All-Star Game no matter what happens due to his star power. The Golden State Warriors legend claims that James is too important to the league and must represent the NBA during such an important weekend.
Paul’s perspective goes directly against that and states that James should only get a spot if deserved. The starters likely being decided means that the coaches will decide LeBron’s fate as an All-Star. Coaches could show respect to James by voting him in, but the competition is stacked this season in the West.
Does LeBron Agree With Rich Paul?
LeBron has talked about the temptation of getting a vacation and time off with his family during All-Star Weekend. The NBA witnessed James becoming one of the faces of the league in his second season and making 21 consecutive All-Star appearances.
If this was his actual retirement season, LeBron would likely want to be included in the festivities. Adam Silver loves to honor the final seasons of legendary players, and James is on a higher level than most of the names to get honored by the league on such a stage.
Paul’s comment likely echoes what LeBron thinks about only wanting a selection this season if the people voting truly believe he’s deserving of the role. James has taken his game to another level over the past few weeks with Austin Reaves out to increase his chances. Coaches are the only ones who can give us a definitive answer, and it will happen in a few weeks.
Rich Paul Doesn’t Want “Charity” All-Star Selection For LeBron