The 2025 NBA All-Star reserves were announced, stirring discussions among fans regarding notable omissions. In the Eastern Conference, the reserves include prominent players such as Jaylen Brown, Pascal Siakam, Darius Garland, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Damian Lillard, and Tyler Herro. However, Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was notably absent from this list despite his impressive season, averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game and receiving the highest number of fan votes among all Eastern guards.

Critics have expressed their surprise over Ball's exclusion, particularly given that he leads all Eastern Conference All-Star reserves in combined points, rebounds, and assists per game. Concerns have been raised about how four players, who ranked lower than him in fan, player, and media voting, were chosen over him. This lack of recognition has led to feelings of disrespect among Ball's supporters and Hornets fans alike.

In the Western Conference, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker also found himself left off the All-Star roster for the second time since the 2019-20 season. Despite averaging 25.5 points per game with solid shooting splits, fans were dismayed by his absence, particularly since he is one of only three Western Conference guards to have registered at least 14 games with 30 or more points this season. Booker's omission has sparked a debate among fans regarding his performance and the voting dynamics, especially with the Suns struggling in the standings, currently sitting at No. 9 in the conference with a record of 24-22. The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 16.