Kevin Durant & LeBron James Criticize NBA’s New All-Star Game Format: ‘I Hate It’

The NBA All-Star Game has always been a marquee event, drawing millions of fans and showcasing the league’s top talent. However, as with all things in professional sports, change is inevitable. This year, the league introduced a radical new format, and not everyone is thrilled—especially Kevin Durant and LeBron James, two of the biggest names in basketball.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game abandoned its traditional format and adopted a mini-tournament style featuring four teams instead of the standard East vs. West matchup or the more recent captains’ draft system. While the league hoped to bring back intensity and competitiveness, the format has received mixed reactions from players and fans alike.

Why the NBA Changed the All-Star Game Format

The NBA All-Star Game format has undergone several changes over the years. Initially introduced in 1951 as an East vs. West battle, the game maintained this structure for over six decades. However, in 2018, the league switched to a player-led draft system, where two captains selected their teams playground-style.

While this change led to some exciting matchups, it failed to address a major concern—the lack of competitiveness. The past few All-Star Games have been criticized for being too relaxed, resembling a casual exhibition rather than a battle of the league’s best players. In 2024, the NBA reverted to the traditional East vs. West format, but that too failed to ignite the intensity fans craved.

Now, in 2025, the league has taken a completely different approach by introducing a mini-tournament format designed to increase the stakes and get players to take the game more seriously. The goal is to bring back defensive effort, strategic plays, and true competition, but not everyone is on board.

Kevin Durant and Other NBA Stars Speak Out

One of the most vocal critics of the new system is Kevin Durant. When asked about the changes in December, Durant didn’t hold back:

“I hate it. I absolutely hate it. Terrible. All-Star Game formats changing—all the formats—terrible, in my opinion. We should just go back to East vs. West and just play the game.”

While Durant later admitted he could be wrong and might warm up to the idea, his initial reaction clearly showed his frustration.

Durant isn’t alone in his criticism. Devin Booker, who won’t be playing in this year’s All-Star Game, sided with his Phoenix Suns teammate, saying:

“I’m more into the nostalgia. I agree with Kev. I like East versus West with your own team jersey. I like the old jerseys. It’s whatever.”

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a 21-time All-Star, wasn’t as harsh but also expressed skepticism about the change:

“Something had to change. Everyone has their own opinion. I mean, it’s different in a sense… any time you make some type of change, there’s going to be pushback. We gotta do something. Obviously, these last few years have not been a great All-Star Game, that Sunday night.”

LeBron’s middle-ground stance acknowledges that change was necessary but doesn’t fully endorse the new format either.

What’s Wrong with the NBA All-Star Game?

The NBA All-Star Game has lost its edge over the years, with many fans and analysts calling it nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. The lack of defense, minimal effort, and record-breaking scoring have made the game feel less competitive.

For example, the 2024 All-Star Game saw the Eastern Conference score 211 points, marking the first time an All-Star team has ever surpassed 200 points. While flashy dunks and deep three-pointers are fun to watch, the absence of competitive intensity has turned the event into more of a spectacle than a real game.

Breaking Down the New Mini-Tournament Format

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game introduces a four-team tournament, aiming to fix the lack of competition. Here’s how it works:

• The 24 NBA All-Stars (10 starters, 14 reserves) are split into three teams of eight.

• TNT analysts Charles Barkley (Team Chuck), Shaquille O’Neal (Team Shaq), and Kenny Smith (Team Kenny) each drafted one team.

• The fourth team consists of the NBA Rising Stars Challenge winners, made up of the best first- and second-year players.

• The mini-tournament format includes two semifinal matchups and a championship game.

• Games are untimed, and teams must score 40 points to win.

The NBA’s hope is that these shorter, high-intensity games will create a more exciting atmosphere where players actually compete instead of coasting through the game.

Will the New Format Work?

Only time will tell if this new format will revive the All-Star Game or if it will be yet another failed experiment. The NBA has consistently struggled to find the right balance between making the game fun for fans and ensuring that the players take it seriously.

Some potential positives of this format include:

• Higher stakes in each game due to the shortened scoring target.

• More intense matchups between teams that are playing to win rather than just entertain.

• A chance for young Rising Stars to prove themselves against the league’s biggest names.

However, the negatives remain:

• Superstars like Durant and Booker aren’t happy, which could impact how seriously players take the games.

• Lack of tradition—many fans still love the classic East vs. West battle.

• Potential confusion among casual fans who may not understand the new format.

Final Thoughts: A Necessary Change or a Gimmick?

The NBA All-Star Game is an iconic event, but its recent decline in competitiveness and engagement forced the league to make a change. While the mini-tournament format is an ambitious attempt to revive interest, it remains to be seen whether it will be a long-term success or a one-year experiment that fades away.

With LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and other superstars questioning the new format, the NBA faces an uphill battle in winning over players and fans alike. If the tournament creates thrilling, high-energy games, it might just become the new standard. But if it flops, expect yet another overhaul in the coming years.

What do you think of the new NBA All-Star Game format? Do you agree with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, or are you open to the change?