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LeBron James: Los Angeles Is Perfect for NBA All-Star Weekend, 'Built for Stars'
February 19, 2018
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, who nearly posted a triple-double in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game on his way to winning MVP, said Los Angeles was a "perfect" All-Star Weekend host.
"I think L.A. is a perfect place to host All-Star Weekend," James told reporters after the game Sunday. "It's one of the few cities that we have in our league that can accommodate all of this. And when I mean all of this, you have over 200-plus countries that's covering the game.
"You've got so many people from all over the world coming to watch our game and just be a part of All-Star Weekend. And we know the traffic. We understand that. But traffic is traffic and—but L.A. can accommodate that. It's built for stars. It's built for entertainment. It's built for cameras and bright lights, and it's a great place for it."
James, who captained one of the two teams, scored a go-ahead layup with 34.5 seconds remaining to help lead the 148-145 victory. He finished with with a game-high 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for his third All-Star MVP.
"From my very first All-Star up until now, I just try to get better and better and not only show myself but show my peers and show everybody that I belong," James said of his approach to All-Star Weekend. "It's always been my fans who voted me in. For 14 straight years, my fans have voted me in as an All-Star starter, and it's been up to me to go out and let them know and show them, listen, I appreciate that and here's what I'm going to give to you every time you vote me in."
James' 14 All-Star selections are tied for the sixth-most in NBA history. He can tie Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett for third on the all-time list next season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 19 selections are the most; Kobe Bryant is second with 18.
James was complimentary of Los Angeles as a host city all weekend, a fact that is not likely lost on Lakers fans. The four-time NBA MVP can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Lakers could potentially have two max contract slots available.
James has been tightlipped about his plans for free agency, but the Cavs' up-and-down season has given some teams hope he'll leave his hometown franchise for a second time.
Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, has also become James' second home. He owns two houses in the area and helps run the SpringHill Entertainment venture.