LeBron James missed out on selection as an NBA All-Star starter for first time in 22 years, but the Los Angeles Lakers star could still feature in February’s event.
On Monday, the NBA announced the 10 players voted as starters, including Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, the Lakers’ Luka Doncic and San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.
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Fans accounted for 50% of the vote to determine the 2026 starters, while current NBA players and a media panel each accounted for 25%.
The five players with the best score in each conference were named as starters across the three teams, with international players playing for the world team.
James, 41, was ranked ninth overall in the Western Conference by voters.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer can still earn selection as a reserve for the game held in Los Angeles on 15 February, but he will have to rely on a panel of NBA coaches to play as one of the 14 reserves.
James was selected in 2025 but did not play in the event after picking up an injury.
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The All-Star game has been revamped this season and will feature two teams of players from the United States and one team of international players.
They will compete in a round-robin tournament comprising of four 12-minute games. The top two teams will then face each other in a championship game.
Players selected from Eastern Conference:
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Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
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Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
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Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
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Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons
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Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Players selected from Western Conference:
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Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
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Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
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Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
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Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
