From any angle or point of view, LA Clippers' star Norman Powell deserved to be an all-star. He played tirelessly, suited up nearly every night, and lit up the best, most compact defenses in the NBA. This task is difficult for an ordinary 31-year-old veteran, yet Powell proved he is a wolf amongst sheep.
Following the broadcast of the all-star reserves, Powell positively took the snub and expressed his emotion on the court. He continued his streak of games with 20+ points and recorded 41 points, a season-high, just before the break.
Conversely, superstars Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo had been ruled out of the all-star game due to injury. This meant the NBA could still include Powell in the honorable match he deserved to be selected.
Commissioner Adam Silver called upon two others, Trae Young and Kyrie Irving, who were also initially left out.
Though Young and Irving earned their spots, Powell should have been rostered over several others. He is scoring way too high on historical efficiencies, yet he was never given his flowers again.
In 45 games, Powell has shot the net off the rim with 24.2 points per game on 49.6% field-goal shooting, which includes a 42.8% three-point clip.
Fast-forward to the day of the all-star game. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar does the unthinkable and publicly announces he will not play because of ankle soreness.
LeBron James takes away from what could have been a memorable night for LA Clippers' Norman Powell.
While the injury is not the issue, LeBron James could have spoken sooner, which could have allowed Norman Powell to play in a game he had been working towards all season for the LA Clippers. Unfortunately, the cards did not favor the former UCLA Bruin, and he will have to begin another campaign next season.
When asked by a reporter what fans would see from James in the all-star game, he responded, "You won't see anything from me tonight. Unfortunately, I will not be in uniform tonight. Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight."
LeBron says that he will NOT be playing in the All-Star game tonight due to ankle and foot discomfort pic.twitter.com/wKzF8B7i72
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2025
Although Clipper Nation may be irate at the timing of James' decision, Powell could be fueled by this sequence of events and return from the all-star break with a furious mentality. He has been golden for the Clippers this season and will likely be even better knowing he was snubbed again right before game time.