Carmelo Anthony defends LeBron James from claim that he ‘ruined’ the NBA All-Star game

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Carmelo Anthony has defended LeBron James after claims that he played a role in ruining the NBA All-Star Game.

Carmelo Anthony addressed criticism aimed at LeBron James following suggestions that his approach to the exhibition event helped change how the All-Star Game is viewed.

The comments came as Anthony revisited how players historically treated the All-Star Game and why James has become a focal point for wider frustration.

Carmelo Anthony responds to claim LeBron James ruined All-Star game

Carmelo Anthony said the criticism stems from long-standing expectations about star players delivering moments on demand during All-Star weekend.

He explained that those expectations shaped how fans and former players viewed the event. Anthony said that once James did not conform to those expectations, he became an easy target for blame.

“He’s only saying that because at that moment, of what we know and how we looked at the All-Star game, like was, ‘The stars rise to the occasion,’” Anthony said. “We just know this is what everybody wants. We have to give it to them.”

“So when he didn’t do that, people started looking like, ‘Oh s—. Alright bet. Oh, Bron f—– the All-Star game up,’” Anthony said.

Anthony explains how players traditionally approached All-Star weekend

Carmelo Anthony said the All-Star Game has long followed an unspoken structure rather than being competitive throughout. He described it as an understanding passed down between players.

“Now everybody [is] in cahoots because it’s almost like a wrestling match,” Anthony said.

Anthony outlined how players managed different phases of the game. Melo said James has since been blamed for issues extending beyond the All-Star Game.

“It’s like, ‘Alright, look. First two, three quarters. Let me get my s— off.’ Let’s go have some fun,” Anthony said. “Fourth quarter comes, we all agree that we [are] getting to it.”

“Oh, Bron f—– the dunk contest up because Bron’s never been in the dunk contest. Bron f—– the 3-point contest up,” Anthony said. “He [is] gonna get blamed for every single thing.”