When the NBA revealed the starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, one notable name was missing.
LeBron James.
For 21 consecutive years, James has earned All-Star starter honors—an NBA record. Yet, given how the current season has unfolded, this year always seemed like a stretch.
He missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, and upon his return, his performance was less than stellar. His incredible streak of scoring 10 or more points in 1,297 consecutive games came to an end on December 4 against Toronto. That night, trailing by eight points, he missed a chance to extend his streak after Rui Hachimura hit a crucial 3-pointer.
This season, he has played in 24 games out of 41, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Those numbers mark the lowest averages of his 23-year career, excluding his rookie season.
However, since the onset of the new year, he’s regained some momentum, now averaging 26.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 7.6 rebounds, shooting at an impressive 52.8 percent.
The voting for starters includes three components: 50% from fans, 25% from a media committee, and 25% from players. The NBA coaches will determine the reserve players, with an announcement due on Sunday.
The Lakers currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with a record of 25 wins and 16 losses, trailing the Warriors (8th) by 1.5 games and the Nuggets (3rd) by 3 games.
While LeBron won’t be starting, the Lakers will still have strong representation.
Luka Doncic is set to start alongside Warriors guard Stephen Curry and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Thunder. They’ll be joined by Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama—who won a tiebreaker against Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
In the Eastern Conference, the starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks, Jalen Brunson from the Knicks, Cade Cunningham from the Pistons, Tyrese Maxey from the 76ers, and Jaylen Brown from the Celtics.
This year’s All-Star Game will break from tradition, adopting a “Team USA vs. World” format. The All-Stars will be split into three rosters: two for Team USA and one for international players.
Among the ten announced starters, there’s an even split of five Americans and five international players. If the reserves include fewer than 16 Americans or just three international players, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will expand the roster to ensure each team has eight players.
