LeBron James was disappointed to see his 20-year run of All-Star appearances end on Sunday but acknowledged he must prioritise the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff push.

James sat out Sunday's mini-tournament – which took the form of a four-team bracket featuring first-to-40 games – after appearing as an All-Star in 20 straight years.

The NBA's all-time leading points scorer was due to feature for Shaq's OGs, selected by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal.

He sat out the event after suffering a recurrence of the ankle issue that has bothered him throughout the season, but Shaq's OGs still emerged victorious against Chuck's Global Stars, selected by Charles Barkley, in the title game.

James is hoping to return to regular-season action with the Lakers on Wednesday, when they face the Charlotte Hornets in a game that was postponed last month due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

With the Lakers fifth in the Western Conference with a 32-20 record and buoyed by the mid-season addition of Luka Doncic, James could not afford to jeopardise their hopes.

"I was hoping it would feel a lot better this morning, but it was not where I wanted it to be," James said of his ankle.

"With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, I felt like it was very important for me to take care of myself and understand what's coming."

IT WAS STEPH CURRY'S SHOW IN THE BAY 

 20 PTS
 10 REB
 6 3PM
 W

He takes home his 2nd Kobe Bryant Trophy as he wins the #KiaAllStarMVP at 2025 #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/62ArXQffSB

— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025

James, who first appeared in the NBA All-Star Game back in 2005, was also asked by reporters if the Lakers' blockbuster trade for Doncic might help prolong his career by spreading the load on offense.

He said: "I have not given it that type of thought. 

"It's just about the excitement of being able to add a calibre player like that, a generational talent like that to our franchise... that's something that has given me energy. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do. I think we could be really good going down the stretch. But we'll see what happens."