Lakers’ Anthony Davis Critiques 2025 NBA All-Star Format

Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar Anthony Davis, a nine-time NBA All-Star and 2017 All-Star Game MVP, recently voiced his disapproval of the upcoming 2025 All-Star Game format. His comments have sparked discussions across the basketball world.

“I don’t really like it,” Davis said candidly. “But we’ll see how it goes this year and see if they change it or not.”

Once celebrated as a high-energy clash between the league’s best players, the All-Star Game has faced criticism in recent years for lacking competitiveness. The league hopes to reignite interest with a new format designed to add excitement.

What’s New in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game?
The league has revamped the event into a mini-tournament featuring four teams and three games. The winners will be determined by the first team to score 40 points in each game.

Key highlights of the format include:

• Four Teams: Each team will feature eight players.
• TNT-Themed Teams: Teams will be named after TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team will feature WNBA legend Candace Parker as coach.
• Draft Night Drama: The NBA All-Star Draft will be conducted live on February 6, with TNT analysts selecting players for their respective teams.
• Castrol Rising Stars: The fourth team will consist of standout NBA and G League rookies and sophomores.

This bold shift aims to inject fresh energy into the event, but Davis’s reservations highlight lingering doubts about its potential success.

Player Effort is Key to the All-Star Game’s Revival
While the new structure aims to rejuvenate the All-Star Game, the true challenge lies in rekindling player effort and intensity. Historically, the event’s appeal hinged on seeing the world’s best athletes compete at full speed. Recent editions, however, have resembled casual exhibitions more than competitive showdowns.

As a respected veteran, Davis, alongside fellow Lakers superstar LeBron James, has the power to set an example. Both have previously criticized the lackluster energy in All-Star Games. Should these two icons bring their A-game to the tournament, they could inspire other players to follow suit, restoring the event’s prestige.

Fans Deserve the Best
At the end of the day, fans expect more than flashy dunks and halfhearted defense—they want to witness thrilling matchups between basketball’s elite. The league’s format changes are a step toward that goal, but they won’t succeed without genuine effort from the players.

As Davis puts it, the success of this experiment remains uncertain. However, the Lakers’ superstars are uniquely positioned to lead the charge and make the 2025 NBA All-Star Game one to remember.

Final Thoughts
With its fresh structure, the upcoming All-Star Game promises intrigue. But will it live up to expectations? Only time—and the players’ commitment—will tell. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the league’s top talent takes center stage.