Tatum opens up about global impact of LeBron, Steph and Durant ahead of NBA All-Star Game
The NBA All-Star Weekend will take place from Friday, February 14, to Sunday, February 16, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The festivities will include All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest, before culminating in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Their Olympic triumph was a defining moment, a showcase of basketball greatness, with LeBron, Steph, and Durant delivering a performance for the ages. Fans across the world watched in awe as they dominated the competition, reminding everyone why they are three of the greatest to ever play the game. Now, as the NBA turns its focus to All-Star Weekend, the stage is set for another iconic reunion—this time, in a competitive yet entertaining new format.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will move away from the traditional East vs. West format and instead feature a four-team mini-tournament. The teams will be led by Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker, with each squad consisting of eight players. The games will be played under a target score format, with the semifinals reaching 40 points and the final game played to 25 points.
Much like NBA fans globally, basketball enthusiasts in the UAE are eager to watch Team Shaq, which will feature LeBron, Steph and Durant together once again. With LeBron at 40 and Steph and Durant at 36, this could be the last time they share the floor as teammates, making it a historic event for those who have followed their incredible careers.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, spoke about the global impact of LeBron, Steph, and Durant, specifically referencing how their presence resonates with international fans, including those in the Middle East.
"LeBron and Steph are the two most-followed NBA players in the world, with Durant not too far behind. There's no doubt that having them continue to play at this high level as All-Stars is remarkable. They resonate not only in Abu Dhabi and the UAE but globally. Their longevity and continued dominance are incredible. After so many years in the league, they are still performing at an elite level, which is why fans worldwide, including in the Middle East, continue to tune in to watch them play," Tatum said.
While Team Shaq chosen by the Lakers legend, Shaquille O'neal, will bring together the three legends among others, Team Chuck, picked by Charles Barkley, will feature a dominant mix of international superstars, including Nikola Jokić (Serbia), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), and Victor Wembanyama (France).
Meanwhile, Team Kenny, led by Kenny Smith, will highlight the NBA's young superstars, including Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Jaren Jackson Jr.. This team represents the future of the league, with exciting young talents who are poised to take over in the years to come.
Beyond their on-court dominance, LeBron and Steph are the two most-followed NBA players on Instagram, with Durant also boasting a massive global following. Their influence extends to international markets like the UAE, where the NBA has built a strong presence through the Abu Dhabi Games. Last year, they visited Abu Dhabi for the USA Showcase, strengthening ties with regional fans and further growing the sport in a country that has fully embraced basketball culture.
Fans in the UAE and the Middle East can watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game live on beIN Sports, the exclusive broadcaster of the NBA in the MENA region. Whether this will truly be the last time LeBron, Steph, and Durant play together remains to be seen. But for one night, the stage is set for basketball brilliance.
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