Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has never shied away from speaking his mind, and this time, the topic is the NBA’s revamped All-Star Game format. As the league moves away from tradition in an effort to spark greater competitiveness, James has publicly questioned whether the new structure truly adds up.
For years, the NBA has faced criticism over the lack of intensity in its midseason showcase. In response, Commissioner Adam Silver and the league introduced a U.S. vs. World concept, featuring two USA teams and one World team competing in a round-robin format before the top two advance to a championship game.
While the change is designed to elevate stakes and encourage harder play, James remains unconvinced.
“East-west is the tradition”
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, James made it clear where his preference lies.
“East-West is the tradition. It’s been really good. I like the East and West format,” LeBron James said while speaking to reporters on Sunday. “They’re trying something, we’ll see what happens. But it’s U.S. vs. World. The world is gigantic over the U.S., so I’m trying to figure out how that makes sense.”
His comments highlight a broader debate about balancing innovation with tradition. The East vs. West rivalry has long been a staple of All-Star Weekend, offering familiar bragging rights and a sense of historical continuity. For James, that legacy still matters.
A global league faces a new reality
At the same time, the NBA’s global growth cannot be ignored. The modern league boasts a surge of international superstars, and the projected starting lineup for Team World underscores that shift. Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Deni Avdija and Jamal Murray headline a roster brimming with elite talent.
Had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo not been sidelined by injury, Team World would have featured three MVP winners from the past seven seasons.
LeBron James’ concern appears rooted in competitive balance. With international talent arguably deeper than ever, the question of parity naturally arises under a U.S. vs. World structure.
As the NBA prepares to unveil its latest All-Star experiment, all eyes will be on how players respond — and whether James’ doubts about “how that makes sense” resonate beyond the locker room.