The Phoenix Suns sent one player to 2025 All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, but they could've sent two. Devin Booker isn't an All-Star for the second time in six years, which probably had something to do with his slow start. He wasn't chosen as an All-Star replacement for the injured Anthony Davis, either.
It turns out Booker could've had another chance to be with Kevin Durant in the Bay, but the latest injury news came too little, too late. LeBron James announced that he'd miss the All-Star mini-tournament in a press conference less than two hours before the event began. It's the first time in 20 years he won't play.
LeBron James will not be playing in tonight's All-Star game due to ankle and foot discomfort. pic.twitter.com/Cc0cmOx6uu
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025
It's something LeBron has been dealing with, so it's not as if he woke up on Sunday morning with the discomfort. He was right to prioritize the last part of the Lakers' season over playing in the All-Star mini-tournament and risking a serious injury, but he could've ruled himself out earlier. That way, another deserving player could've traveled to San Francisco (aka Booker).
Devin Booker could've been LeBron James' All-Star injury replacement
Booker is averaging 26.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 33.9% from three. He should've been the player Adam Silver chose to replace LeBron, but that wasn't an option.
It makes sense why LeBron wanted to still be in the Bay for the festivities, considering he won't be able to escape Father Time for much longer. However, he could've done like Giannis, who isn't playing in the All-Star Game and was replaced by Trae Young but is still there.
The silver lining is that at least Booker got to take a few days for himself before Phoenix gears up for what won't be an easy last stretch of the season. The Suns need Booker and KD to be their best to secure a Play-In Tournament spot as they're currently a game and a half behind the No. 10 Warriors.
It still would've been fun to see Booker suit up on Sunday. Spending the weekend (and sharing the floor) with other stars around the league is always special. Oh, well. Expect Booker to be in Los Angeles next year when the Clippers host All-Star weekend at Intuit Dome.