Honorary chair LeBron James steps back from 2025 Met Gala debut

LeBron James won't be making his Met Gala debut this year.

The NBA star, 40, cancelled his first Met Gala appearance just hours ahead of the red carpet.

In a statement via X, the Los Angeles Lakers star revealed that he was still recovering from the knee injury he sustained in last week's game.

"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 said on Monday.

However, his wife Savannah will still be walking the red carpet.

James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 30. During that game, he also "suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain to his left knee," ESPN reported.

James later told the press that retirement is something he'd have to talk over with his family and "support group."

In October 2024, Vogue announced Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour would be co-chairs for the event.