James and Davis played a combined 36 minutes in the contest, where the former didn’t play the entire second half.

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis in front of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
After Sunday night’s NBA All-Star game where the final score was a whopping 211-186, the conversation about the lack of competitiveness and intensity of the tradition are once again amplified. This prompted Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to talk about the game itself and what the solution might be to bring the contest back to being something worthwhile to play for.

James said a “deeper conversation” needs to happen about the ASG

Davis on wanting the ASG to be competitive, but injuries are still a worry

As for his teammate in Anthony Davis, he mentioned the dichotomy of the All-Star game from a couple different sides being the fans who want to see a competitive games, but the players don’t want to get hurt during an exhibition. He mentioned there is some “mixed emotions” about it as the injury side could be costly for games that matter down the stretch.

“Obviously the fans and the league and everybody wants to be competitive, but then you also as players think about trying not to get hurt,” Davis said. “Obviously injuries are a part of the game, and no one wants to get hurt in the All-Star Game. … All these guys here are very valuable to their teams. So it’s some mixed emotions about it. You try to go out there and compete a little bit and not just be a highlight show. But at the same time, do you guys really want to see somebody going down for a dunk and somebody going to contest it and, God forbid, something happens in the All-Star Game when it could have been avoided?”

Davis was a reserve representing Los Angeles for the Western Conference and scored six points, collected eight rebounds, and recorded eight assists. The point of injuries is especially significant for the 30 year old big-man as he has a history of dealing with issues in the past.

The All-Star break was a much-needed one for the Lakers as they are 30-26 on the season which puts them ninth in the Western Conference. Their next game will be Thursday, Feb. 22 against the Golden State Warriors.