LeBron James Selected as Western Conference Reserve for NBA All-Star Game
LeBron James has been named among the reserves for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game, marking his record-extending 22nd consecutive selection. The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star was not chosen as a starter in January but was included among the seven reserves selected by NBA coaches from each conference.
James missed the first 14 games of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica but has appeared in 31 games this season, averaging 21.9 points per game.
"It wasn't a goal of mine to come into the season, miss the first 14 games and say, 'OK, I can be an All-Star'," James told reporters following the Lakers' 112-100 loss to the New York Knicks.
"I just wanted to get back to playing the game at a high level I knew I was capable of once I kind of worked the rust off of missing pre-season, training camp and my summer workouts, which I've never done in my whole career.
"So I didn't think about the All-Star Game, to be honest."
James was selected for the 2025 NBA All-Star game but was unable to participate due to injury.
Other Western Conference reserves named include Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets, Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns, and Anthony Edwards representing the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New Format for the NBA All-Star Game
This season, the NBA All-Star game format has been revamped. It will feature two teams composed of players from the United States and one team consisting of international players. These teams will compete in a round-robin tournament consisting of four 12-minute games. The two teams with the best records will then advance to a championship game.
All-Star Starters and Reserves by Conference
Eastern Conference Starters:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo* - Milwaukee Bucks
- Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
- Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
- Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
Eastern Conference Reserves:
- Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors
- Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers
- Pascal Siakam* - Indiana Pacers
- Karl-Anthony Towns - New York Knicks
Western Conference Starters:
- Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
- Luka Doncic* - Los Angeles Lakers
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander* - Oklahoma City Thunder
- Victor Wembanyama* - San Antonio Spurs
Western Conference Reserves:
- Deni Avdija* - Portland Trail Blazers
- Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
- Chet Holmgren - Oklahoma City Thunder
