LeBron James Bows Out of Met Gala Due to Injury, Sends Savannah to Represent in Style

LeBron James won’t be making his first-ever Met Gala appearance after all. The NBA superstar revealed Monday that he’s officially bowing out of the high-profile fashion event due to a knee injury he suffered at the end of the Lakers’ playoff season.

The 40-year-old, who was tapped as one of this year’s honorary chairs, shared the update with fans just hours before the gala’s 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,” he wrote on X, adding that he was grateful for the well-wishes and support.

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! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the…

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 5, 2025

Although LeBron won’t be attending the fashion-forward affair, his wife Savannah James will still be representing the family in his place. “She’ll be holding the castle down like she always does,” he said of Savannah, calling her his “beautiful, powerful Queen.”

The Lakers’ season ended with a disappointing first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. During the final game on April 30, LeBron reportedly sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. The injury has raised questions about what’s next for the four-time NBA champion, who told reporters that he plans to discuss his future with his family and support team.

This year’s Met Gala celebrates “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a tribute to the art of tailoring in Black fashion and culture, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion. The theme reflects on Black dandyism and its influence from the 1700s to modern day. The exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is curated by Andrew Bolton and serves as the focal point of the annual gala, which benefits the Costume Institute.

The 2025 dress code, “Tailored for You,” puts a personal spin on traditional menswear and suiting, encouraging custom takes on classic style. Fellow co-chairs Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Lewis Hamilton will still lead the evening alongside Anna Wintour.

Savannah will join a star-studded guest list that includes Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens, Spike Lee, Regina King, Doechii, Usher, and Angel Reese.