LeBron James slams NBA over Devin Booker All-Star snub

It’s that time of year again, when the NBA All-Star selections are announced and the annual debate over the choices — and notable snubs — can ensue.

And with Anthony Davis, who earned his eighth All-Star Game nod, dealing with a calf strain and an Achilles injury that will likely prevent him from participating, LeBron James made quite clear who his next choice would be.

“Devin Booker is the most disrespected player in our league,” the four-time NBA champion wrote on Twitter. “Simple as that.”

James had already voiced his displeasure that the game — taking place March 7 in Atlanta — is happening at all given the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year,” James said earlier this month, after the NBA pushed forward with the festivities. “I don’t even understand why we’re having an All-Star Game.”

Even though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reserves the right to replace Davis, getting an endorsement from James is the next best thing for Booker, who many were shocked wasn’t part of the reserves. Despite averaging 24.7 points – which is 16^th in the league – on 60.7 percent true shooting on a surging 20-10 Suns team, Booker was left out.

Instead, his backcourt teammate Chris Paul received his eleventh All-Star nod. All three teams that are ahead of the Suns in the Western Conference standings – the Jazz, Clippers and Lakers – got two All-Star selections.

James also showed his support for the Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard, who many thought was also snubbed, by writing, “Followed by Dame Dolla” after his initial Booker disrespect tweet.

Lillard’s Portland teammates, Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum, echoed James in publicizing their belief that Booker deserved an All-Star selection.