LeBron James Set to Shine in a Unique NBA All-Star Weekend
This weekend, the NBA All-Star festivities will unfold in San Francisco, marking a fresh and exciting format for the annual event. LeBron James, the seasoned veteran of the Los Angeles Lakers, is among the roster of stellar players who will grace the court. Known for his relentless work ethic and unparalleled skill, LeBron continues to dominate the game and captivate fans with his presence. This year’s All-Star Weekend brings a twist with a mini-tournament featuring three teams, each playing games capped at 40 points. The tournament will culminate in the Championship final on Sunday night, which will be aired live on TNT at 10 p.m. ET. LeBron, who has been a cornerstone of the All-Star team for years, will play for Team Shaq, alongside other luminaries like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The weekend promises a blend of competitive basketball, entertainment, and community engagement, making it a must-watch event for fans of all ages.
A Look at the Full Schedule of NBA All-Star Weekend 2025
The NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 is packed with a diverse array of events that cater to different tastes and interests. On Friday, Feb. 14, the action kicks off with the All-Star celebrity game at 7 p.m. ET, where a team of celebrities coached by baseball legend Barry Bonds and rapper 2Chainz will face off against a team coached by Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice and social media sensation Khaby Lame. Following the celebrity game, the Rising Stars competition will take place at 9 p.m. ET, showcasing the league’s brightest young talents. Saturday, Feb. 15, sees the NBA All-Star practice at 2 p.m. ET and the NBA HBCU Classic at 5 p.m. ET, both of which will air on NBA TV. The evening will culminate with All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the Kia Skills Challenge, Starry 3-point Contest, and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, starting at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. Finally, Sunday, Feb. 16, will be the main event, with the NBA Legends Brunch at 2 p.m. ET, followed by the All-Star semifinals at 8:20 p.m. ET and 9:10 p.m. ET, and the Championship game at 10 p.m. ET, all of which will be broadcast on TNT.
The Roster of Superstars for NBA All-Star Weekend 2025
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend will feature a unique lineup of players, each drafted into one of three teams by TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. Team Chuck, led by Charles Barkley, includes NBA stars such as Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Sengun, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo was originally chosen but has been replaced by Young due to an injury. Team Shaq, drafted by Shaquille O’Neal, boasts an impressive roster including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, who steps in for the injured Anthony Davis. Kenny Smith’s Team Kenny features Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, and Tyler Herro. Each team is a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, ensuring competitive and exciting games.
The Star-Studded Celebrity Game
Adding to the excitement of the weekend is the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, which will take place on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET. This year’s lineup is particularly impressive, featuring a blend of entertainment and sports icons. Among the participants are comedian Shaboozey, singer Noah Kahan, former NFL star Terrell Owens, former NBA player Matt Barnes, and country music sensation Walker Hayes. The teams will be coached by Barry Bonds and 2Chainz on one side, and Jerry Rice and Khaby Lame on the other. This game is a delightful mix of friendly competition and showmanship, providing a lighter and more entertaining side to the weekend’s events. Fans can tune in to ESPN or ESPN+ to catch all the action and laughter.
How to Watch NBA All-Star Weekend: Your Watching Guide
To catch all the action from the NBA All-Star Weekend, you’ll need to have access to a variety of TV channels. The games and events will be broadcast across ESPN, TNT, TBS, truTV, and NBA TV. These channels are available on multiple streaming platforms, including DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. Fubo TV is another popular option for sports fans, but it doesn’t carry TNT, TBS, or truTV, which are crucial for watching the semi-finals and championship game on Sunday. For a comprehensive viewing experience, DirecTV is one of the best choices, offering not only the main broadcast channels but also over 40 regional sports networks. You can also add the NBA League Pass to your subscription, ensuring you don’t miss a single out-of-market game. Packages start at $74.99/month after a free trial. Max, known for its entertainment content, has also entered the sports arena and offers the B/R Sports add-on for free for a limited time. This add-on allows Max subscribers to watch live NBA games and All-Star coverage on TNT, TBS, and truTV, making it an attractive option for those who already use Max.
Streaming Platforms for NBA All-Star Weekend
If you prefer streaming over traditional TV, there are several platforms that offer live coverage of NBA All-Star Weekend. ESPN+ is a great choice, providing access to both the All-Star celebrity game and the Rising Stars competition. DirecTV and Hulu with Live TV are comprehensive options that include all the necessary channels—ESPN, TNT, TBS, truTV, and NBA TV—ensuring you can watch every event from start to finish. Fubo TV, while a strong contender for live sports, doesn’t carry TNT, TBS, or truTV, which might be a downside for some viewers. For those who are already Max subscribers, the B/R Sports add-on is a fantastic deal, offering free access to all the crucial games and events. Max’s subscription starts at $9.99/month, making it a cost-effective choice for many. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just looking to enjoy a fun weekend of sports and entertainment, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
Preparing for the Main Event: The Championship Final
The highlight of the weekend is the NBA All-Star Championship final, set to air live on TNT at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 16. The mini-tournament format, with each game capped at 40 points, promises to be fast-paced and thrilling. The teams, coached by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, will battle it out in the semifinals before the top two teams face off in the final. The semifinal games will start at 8:20 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. ET, leading up to the championship. This format not only adds a new level of excitement to the All-Star games but also allows for more players to showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment. LeBron James and his teammates on Team Shaq will be keen to put on a show, as will the players on Team Chuck and Team Kenny. Be sure to mark your calendars and tune in to witness this historic and entertaining event.
