Lebron James, one of the honorary chairs of the 2025 Met Gala, was only there in spirit.
Hours ahead of the red carpet festivities begin, Los Angeles Lakers star James announced that he won’t be attending the star-studded affair known as the Super Bowl of fashion.
James, who was set to make his debut at this year’s event, shared the change of plans due to a knee injury he suffered on court during the most recent Lakers season that has also called into question whether he’s headed for retirement.
“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!” he posted on X Monday afternoon.
The fashion-forward elite athlete was scheduled to appear alongside his wife, Savannah.
James was tapped by Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour to join actor Colman Domingo, rapper A$AP Rocky, Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton, and hip hop producer-turned-fashion executive Pharrell Williams as hosts of the gala, which benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute.
The 2025 Met Gala theme “Tailored for You” tied into the museum’s new exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which explores Black men’s fashion.
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