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

Israeli-born player Deni Avdija competes on World All-Stars team

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Filmmaker Spike Lee wore a pro-Palestinian outfit to the NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood, California, as the league debuted a new format featuring World All-Stars and All-Stars from the U.S. The World All-Stars team included Israeli-born player Deni Avdija, the first Israeli to appear in an NBA All-Star Game, who wore the Israeli flag on his jersey. While Lee did not make any extra statement, his outfit choice was seen as a message. Turkish player Alperen Sengun, who is on the World All-Stars team, said the political issues between their countries are "a lot bigger" than their personal relationship, and that they are just focused on representing their countries and the sport of basketball.

Why it matters

Spike Lee's pro-Palestinian outfit choice at the NBA All-Star Game highlights the ongoing political tensions in the Middle East and how they can intersect with high-profile sporting events. The inclusion of Israeli-born player Deni Avdija on the World All-Stars team also represents a milestone for Israeli representation in the NBA.

The details

Filmmaker Spike Lee was seated courtside at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California for the NBA All-Star Game. Lee wore a pro-Palestinian outfit to the event, which featured the new format of World All-Stars and All-Stars from the U.S. on Team Stars and Team Stripes. The World All-Stars team included Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, the first Israeli-born player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game. Avdija wore the Israeli flag on the back of his jersey.

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

The players

Spike Lee

An American filmmaker known for his provocative and politically-charged work, who was seated courtside at the NBA All-Star Game.

Deni Avdija

A forward for the Portland Trail Blazers and the first Israeli-born player to appear in an NBA All-Star Game, where he wore the Israeli flag on his jersey.

Alperen Sengun

A Turkish player on the World All-Stars team, who said the political issues between Turkey and Israel are "a lot bigger" than his personal relationship with Avdija.

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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. You know, great guy, great person. One of my good friends in this league. 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 Sports)

The takeaway

Spike Lee's pro-Palestinian outfit choice at the NBA All-Star Game highlights how political tensions can intersect with high-profile sporting events, even when the players themselves are focused on representing their countries and the sport they love. The inclusion of Israeli-born Deni Avdija on the World All-Stars team also represents a milestone for Israeli representation in the NBA.