LeBron James, set to make his debut as an honorary chair at the 2025 Met Gala, announced just hours before the event that he would no longer attend, citing a knee injury sustained during the Los Angeles Lakers' recent playoff loss. The announcement, posted Monday on social media platform X, comes amid heightened anticipation for the annual fashion event hosted at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
"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!" James, 40, wrote. "Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"
James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the Lakers' April 30 playoff elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN. Speaking to reporters afterward, James did not rule out retirement, stating that the decision would be one he discusses with his family and "support group."
Despite his absence, Savannah James is expected to walk the Met Gala red carpet in his place. LeBron was named as one of this year's co-chairs alongside Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Vogue's Anna Wintour. The gala supports the museum's Costume Institute and this year aligns with the exhibition "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," a deep dive into Black dandyism and fashion identity curated by Monica L. Miller.
The exhibit, inspired by Miller's 2009 book Slaves to Fashion, explores the evolution of Black style from the 18th century to the present. The gala's dress code - "Tailored for You" - nods to the exhibition's emphasis on menswear and suiting.
James' Met Gala withdrawal follows a high-profile personal milestone last month when he was introduced as Mattel's first-ever "Kenbassador." The company launched a limited-edition LeBron James Ken doll in collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation. "As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what's possible through hard work and dedication," James said in a statement. "Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to."
The collectible doll features James in Nike sneakers, Beats headphones, a We Are Family Foundation T-shirt, and signature accessories including his "I Promise" wristband. It marks the first time a professional athlete has been commemorated as a Ken doll.
Even as he recovers from his injury, James continues to make history off the court. In January, he told the New Heights podcast that playing in the NBA alongside his son Bronny, 20, is his proudest achievement. "To be able to play in this league and also being able to do it alongside Bronny right now, that's one of the biggest accomplishments and probably the No. 1 accomplishment I've ever been able to do," he said.
James, averaging 24.4 points per game this season, has long been immersed in both basketball and fashion culture, having launched over 20 signature Nike shoe models since his NBA debut in 2003.
