LeBron James Will Miss Met Gala Due To Knee Injury
Despite his honorary co-chair role, the basketball star will be represented by his wife Savannah.
The first Monday of May usually brings a buzz of excitement in the fashion world, particularly with the annual Met Gala, a night where the stars shine not just in Hollywood but in haute couture. This year, however, one of the most anticipated attendees, LeBron James, will not be gracing the red carpet. The basketball icon, who was named an honorary co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala, announced his absence just hours before the event.
On May 5, 2025, LeBron took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his disappointment with fans, stating, "Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event!" This unfortunate news comes after James suffered an MCL sprain during Game 5 of the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In his absence, the James family will still be represented by LeBron's wife, Savannah James, who he affectionately referred to as his "beautiful powerful Queen." He expressed confidence in her ability to hold down the fort, stating, "My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!" Savannah’s attendance at the gala will ensure that the James family is still part of this prestigious night.
The Met Gala, known for its extravagant themes and celebrity attendees, is set to showcase this year’s theme: "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." This theme draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." The event will mark the opening of an exhibition that celebrates the legacy of Black-led sartorial innovation and creative expression.
Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, "Every year, The Met Gala brings together cultural figures and style icons from across a wide array of fields to celebrate and support art and fashion." This year’s gala promises to be no different, featuring a star-studded lineup of co-chairs including Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, and Anna Wintour.
LeBron James’s absence is felt not just by his fans but also in the broader context of his impressive basketball career. Just last week, on April 30, 2025, the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention after a 1-4 series loss to the Timberwolves. This marked the end of a challenging season for the team and for James, who was hoping to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Despite the setback, James remains a central figure in both sports and cultural conversations. His participation as an honorary chair at the Met Gala highlights the intersection of sports and fashion, showcasing how athletes like him influence trends beyond the court.
As the Met Gala unfolds, all eyes will be on Savannah James as she walks the red carpet, representing not only her husband but also the spirit of the event itself. This year's gala is expected to draw attention to the rich history of Black fashion and its impact on contemporary style.
While fans will miss seeing LeBron on the red carpet, his presence will certainly be felt through Savannah and the theme of the evening. The Met Gala continues to be a platform where art, culture, and fashion collide, and this year’s celebration promises to honor the contributions of Black designers and artists in the fashion industry.
In the wake of his knee injury, LeBron James’s focus now shifts to recovery and the upcoming NBA season. As a four-time NBA champion, his resilience both on and off the court remains an inspiration to many. Fans and followers eagerly await his return, hoping to see him back in action soon.
In the meantime, the Met Gala will proceed without him, but with a strong theme that resonates deeply within the cultural fabric of the nation. As attendees don their finest attire, the focus will not only be on the glamour of the evening but also on the important conversations surrounding identity and representation in fashion.
As the stars arrive and the cameras flash, the legacy of LeBron James will loom large, even in his absence. His contributions to sports, culture, and now fashion, continue to shape the narrative of modern celebrity and influence.
