Spike Lee Wears Pro-Palestinian Outfit to NBA All-Star Game

Israeli-born player Deni Avdija competes in the event.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Filmmaker Spike Lee was spotted wearing a pro-Palestinian outfit while seated courtside at the NBA All-Star Game, which featured the first-ever appearance of an Israeli-born player, Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers, who wore the Israeli flag on his jersey.

Why it matters

Spike Lee's fashion choice brought political issues into the typically apolitical NBA All-Star Game, while Avdija's participation marked a milestone for Israeli representation in the league.

The details

Lee did not make any explicit statement, but his outfit was seen as a pro-Palestinian message. Avdija, who played 15 total minutes for the World All-Stars team, said he felt he was representing his entire nation of Israel. Meanwhile, Turkish player Alperen Sengun, who is on the opposing team, emphasized that the political tensions between their countries were bigger than their personal relationship, and that they were just there to play basketball and bring people together.

  • The NBA All-Star Game took place on February 16, 2026.

The players

Spike Lee

An American filmmaker known for his outspoken political views, who was seated courtside at the NBA All-Star Game wearing a pro-Palestinian outfit.

Deni Avdija

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, who was the first Israeli-born player to compete in an NBA All-Star Game, wearing the Israeli flag on his jersey.

Alperen Sengun

A Turkish player for the Houston Rockets, who was asked about his relationship with Avdija given the political tensions between their countries.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like when I come to play, I come with the entire nation, and it's fun to show that it's possible, even for a small country like us.”

— Deni Avdija (Times of Israel)

“You know, I think that stuff is a lot bigger than ours. We just going to represent our country, here, you know, the best we can. Deni is the same harder worker. And like I said that stuff are a lot bigger than our stuff. We are just here doing what we love, and other stuff is out of our control. And hopefully, you know, of course basketball is the thing hopefully bring everyone love, and stay together, you know, that's what we are here for. And like I said, the other stuff is out of our control, and hopefully, you know, it's all got into peace in all world, and that's all we wanted.”

— Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets star (Fox News)

What’s next

The NBA will likely continue to monitor how political issues intersect with its high-profile events like the All-Star Game, balancing its desire to keep the focus on basketball while also allowing players to express their views.

The takeaway

Spike Lee's fashion statement and the participation of the first Israeli-born NBA All-Star player highlighted how sports can become a platform for broader political and social issues, even at an event meant to celebrate the league's top talent.