LeBron James Gets Called Out by Draymond Green and Other NBA Players for NBA All-Star Game Decision
LeBron James, one of the most revered and successful players in NBA history, is no stranger to attention—both positive and negative. As the leader of the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, James was expected to make his picks with the usual level of brilliance and consideration. However, his recent selections have caused a stir across the league, leading to calls for accountability from several of his fellow NBA players, most notably Draymond Green, who didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with LeBron’s decisions.
The NBA All-Star Game is a highlight of the season for fans, players, and coaches alike, offering an opportunity to showcase the league’s elite talent in an exhibition that is as much about entertainment as it is about competition. LeBron James, as one of the most successful and decorated players in the game, is consistently one of the top vote-getters for the event, and his role as captain—having earned that honor through fan voting—has given him significant influence over the roster composition.
This season, however, his picks sparked controversy, leading to pointed criticisms from players such as Green and others who felt slighted by James’ selections. LeBron, known for his basketball IQ, leadership, and camaraderie with his peers, has usually been the type to make picks that reflect his respect for fellow players. But the 2025 draft saw a few choices that raised eyebrows—and not just from fans, but from his peers as well.
The NBA All-Star Game Draft Controversy
As the captain of the Western Conference team, LeBron James had the privilege of selecting his roster from a pool of the best players in the NBA. This is a position of both honor and responsibility, as players are not only competing for the win but also for pride. The All-Star Game is often seen as a recognition of players’ contributions to the league, and James’ selections often hold weight both on and off the court.
However, this year, some of his decisions left a bad taste in the mouths of several NBA players, particularly those who were either not picked or felt they were picked too late. Draymond Green, always vocal about issues in the league, took to social media to express his displeasure with LeBron’s approach to the draft. Green, who has long been a figure of controversy both on and off the court, found himself on the receiving end of what he considered a slight, and he didn’t hesitate to speak out.
The first bone of contention was LeBron’s decision to not pick some players that many expected to be selected earlier in the draft. Green was notably frustrated with how LeBron handled certain selections, questioning his rationale behind passing up players with better stats and performances in favor of others who didn’t seem to merit the same level of praise. Green, who prides himself on being a vocal leader and a key defensive player, clearly felt overlooked in this regard. While Green acknowledged that LeBron was entitled to make his choices as captain, he was disappointed with the seeming disregard for his style of play and what he brings to the table.
Draymond Green’s Reaction
Draymond Green, known for his fiery personality, didn’t mince words when it came to expressing his frustration with LeBron’s draft picks. Taking to Twitter and later making a public statement to the media, Green made it clear that he was not happy with the decision-making process, especially when it came to the selection of players based on their “popularity” or media hype rather than pure talent.
“Look, we all know how these drafts go,” Green said. “But when a guy who does all the dirty work, the hustle plays, the stuff that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, gets overlooked in favor of someone who’s only popular for what they do in highlights or on social media—it’s frustrating. I’m about building a team that can win, not just looking cool for a media headline.”
Green, known for his intensity on the court and his ability to turn games around with his defense and leadership, clearly felt that some of his peers were selected based more on their fame rather than their value on the court. He went on to make pointed remarks about how he felt LeBron was leaning too heavily on “star power” in his picks, rather than looking at the full scope of a player’s contributions to their team.
Although Green’s criticism was focused mainly on his personal situation, he also pointed out that it reflected a broader issue of players being selected for “name value” rather than actual performance. For Green, this wasn’t just about getting picked—it was about the respect he believes all players should receive for their contributions, regardless of their media profile.
Other NBA Players Weigh In
Green wasn’t alone in his criticism of LeBron’s All-Star Game decisions. Several other NBA players, both current and former, took to social media and in interviews to share their own thoughts about the selections. Some players felt they had been unfairly passed over in favor of others who, in their eyes, didn’t deserve a higher spot.
The likes of De’Aaron Fox, who has been having an outstanding season with the Sacramento Kings, expressed disappointment at not being chosen earlier in the draft. Fox, who has often been regarded as one of the most talented young point guards in the league, took to Twitter to let his followers know how he felt about the selection process. “Guess all that winning doesn’t matter when it comes to getting picked for the All-Star Game,” he tweeted. Many interpreted his message as a subtle dig at the way the All-Star draft had played out.
Other players, including some who didn’t make the cut at all, also expressed their dissatisfaction. The NBA All-Star Game, which is supposed to celebrate the league’s top talent, has often been a source of tension, with players clamoring for recognition and respect. The fact that some players felt slighted by the way LeBron’s picks played out speaks to the broader challenges of the All-Star selection process, which is a mixture of fan voting, media input, and player voting.
LeBron Responds
As the criticisms mounted, LeBron James eventually responded to the outcry, acknowledging that the draft process is always contentious and that he never intends to slight anyone. In a media interview, James said, “At the end of the day, I try to pick the players I believe can help my team win, and I have nothing but respect for everyone I chose—and those I didn’t choose. It’s a difficult decision, but we all know the game is about more than just the All-Star Game itself.”
LeBron continued, explaining that the All-Star Game was about celebrating the best of the best, and he emphasized the importance of recognizing different skill sets, including those who may not get as much media attention but still play crucial roles for their teams.
“I know some guys feel left out, and I understand that,” LeBron said. “But at the end of the day, everyone who’s on that court deserves to be there. I’m just trying to build a team that’s going to have fun and play well together.”
While LeBron’s response was diplomatic, it didn’t fully quell the frustrations that had been voiced by players like Green. His decision-making process remained a hot topic, with many questioning whether his picks truly reflected the idea of “team” or if they were more focused on building a lineup that looked good on paper rather than one that could succeed on the court.
The Bigger Picture
The drama surrounding LeBron James’ All-Star Game decisions highlights a larger issue within the NBA: the tension between star power and team dynamics. The NBA, more than most leagues, revolves around its star players, and that often means that popularity and media attention can play a significant role in who gets selected for the All-Star Game.
LeBron’s leadership and skill have made him a figurehead in the NBA, but with that status comes scrutiny, especially when it comes to decisions that affect his peers. Draymond Green’s criticisms reflect broader frustrations from players who feel that talent, grit, and hustle often take a backseat to the glitz and glamour of the league’s biggest stars.
While the All-Star Game is just one event in a long and arduous NBA season, the selection process—and the subsequent criticisms—serve as a reminder that even the biggest stars have to face their share of scrutiny. For LeBron James, this may just be another chapter in a career filled with highs and lows. But for the players calling him out, the message is clear: respect, talent, and hard work should always come before popularity and name recognition.