Anthony Davis is not a fan of the new NBA All-Star Game format

The NBA recently announced a new All-Star Game format that completely upends the traditional game. It will now be a four-team mini-tournament between teams of eight All-Stars and one team of Rising Stars. With the announcement, players who are likely to be All-Stars – like Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis – are voicing their perspective on the game.

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns has already gone on record saying he doesn’t like the new format. The NBA has become known in recent years for attempting to make sweeping changes to address issues surrounding player enthusiasm, including the Emirates NBA Cup.

And while the All-Star format definitely needs some tweaking, this format could certainly be considered too much. That’s what Davis had to say as his first reaction to the change.

“I don’t really like it, but we’ll see how it goes this year and whether they change it or not,” Davis said after a recent practice.

When he broke down exactly what he didn’t like about it and what he would change it to, he said he felt like most players would be on his side.

“Two teams. If anything, go back to East and West, but the four teams and the many games and all that stuff, I personally don’t think a lot of players will like that,” Davis said. “But we’ll see. See how it goes.”

The main reason for switching to the All-Star format is that viewership has dropped dramatically and the game on the field is less enjoyable to watch. This will only get worse if players don’t agree with the format. However, it is also not possible that Davis would want to return to East vs. West play, as that is the format that led to the initial problems.

Ultimately, fixing the All-Star Game is a difficult task because players, by its very nature, will never take it as seriously as major games. But perhaps this change will produce better results than Davis expects. Given his season, he will most likely be one of the guinea pigs for this event.

Anthony Davis believes the break was beneficial

Anthony Davis was the Lakers’ leading man during the 2024-25 season and is taking on more responsibility on both ends of the court as LeBron James turns nearly 40 years old.

Davis did well in the larger role, although he sustained some scrapes and bruises along the way. For example, Davis injured his shoulder in the win against the Memphis Grizzlies, although he described it as just a minor stitch. He also struggled with plantar fasciitis in his foot for most of the season.

Los Angeles was able to enjoy a few more days of rest before Thursday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, and Davis admitted it was good for him and the team to get some rest and some practice.

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