When the NBA announced the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star game, there was one name that was left off.
LeBron James.
For 21 years, James has been selected to and named an All-Star starter — an NBA record. But this year always seemed like a long shot considering how the 2025-26 season has played out thus far.
He missed the first 14 games of the season dealing with sciatica, and played far below his standards once he returned. His NBA-record of 1,297 consecutive games of scoring 10+ points came to end on Dec. 4 against Toronto. Sitting at eight points, James passed up a chance to continue the streak when he found Rui Hachimura open in the corner for a game-winning three-pointer.
In 24 games (out of a possible 41), James is averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 and 5.9 rebounds per game. His points and rebounds per game numbers are the worst in his 23-year career outside of his rookie season.
However, James has found his rhythm since the start of the new year. He’s averaging 26.6 points, 7.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds per game on 52.8 percent shooting from the field.
The voting process for starters is made up of three groups: 50% fan voting; 25% a panel of media voters; 25% player voting. The reserves will be selected by the NBA’s coaches and announced on Sunday.
The Lakers are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture, sitting at 25-16 and in sixth place. They’re 1.5 games ahead of the Warriors (eighth place) and three games behind the Nuggets (third place).
Although LeBron isn’t starting, the Lakers will be well represented.
Luka Doncic will be starting alongside Warriors star guard Steph Curry and reigning MVP and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They’re joined by Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who beat out Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in a tie.
Starting for the Eastern Conference are: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks; Jalen Brunson, Knicks; Cade Cunningham, Pistons; Tyrese Maxey, 76ers; and Jaylen Brown, Celtics.
This year’s All-Star game will look significantly different than the past as the NBA has adopted a “Team USA versus the World” format. The group of All-Stars chosen will be broken down into three rosters; two representing Team USA and one representing international players.
Of the 10 starters announced, five are American and five are international. Once the 14 reserves area announced, if there are fewer than 16 American players or 3ight international players, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will add more All-Stars until each team represented has eight players.