What led to LeBron’s last-minute Met Gala withdrawal as honorary chair?

NBA superstar LeBron James will not be attending the 2025 Met Gala, despite being named an honorary chair for the event.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward cited a knee injury as the reason for his last-minute withdrawal, just hours before walking the red carpet.

“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 wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on May 5. “Hate to miss an historical event!”

The injury in question occurred during the Lakers' playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30, where James reportedly suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain. With retirement discussions looming, the 40-year-old is now focusing on recovery and time with his family.

LeBron was set to make his Met Gala debut alongside his wife, Savannah James, who will still attend the high-profile event solo. LeBron praised her as his “beautiful powerful Queen” and noted she would be “holding the castle down.”

The 2025 Met Gala, held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, centers on the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The exhibit highlights Black fashion and dandyism from the 18th century to today, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion.

Despite his absence, James remains active in the fashion world. Last month, he became Mattel’s first “Kenbassador,” unveiling a custom LeBron Ken doll created in collaboration with the LeBron James Family Foundation.