LeBron James Snubbed as All-Star Starter, But Remains in Contention for February Game
A surprising development unfolded Monday as LeBron James missed out on a starting role in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game – the first time in 22 years he hasn’t been voted in as a starter. Despite this, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar still has a pathway to participate in the February event, held in Los Angeles on February 15th.
The NBA announced the 10 players selected as starters based on voting results, which included Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic of the Lakers, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. The voting process gave fans a significant voice, accounting for 50% of the total vote. Current NBA players and a media panel each contributed 25% to determine the starting lineups.
The selection process named the five players with the highest scores in each conference as starters, with international players designated to play on the “World” team. James, 41, finished ninth overall in the Western Conference voting, falling short of securing a starting position.
This marks a notable shift for the league’s all-time leading scorer, who has consistently been a fixture among the All-Star starters for over two decades. One analyst noted the changing landscape of the league and the emergence of new stars likely contributed to the outcome.
However, James’ All-Star hopes are not extinguished. He can still earn a spot on the 14-man reserve roster, but his fate now rests in the hands of the NBA head coaches. A panel of coaches will select the reserves, evaluating players based on performance and impact throughout the season.
The outcome underscores the evolving dynamics of the NBA and the increasing competitiveness for All-Star recognition. While James’ absence from the starting lineup is a surprise, his potential inclusion as a reserve would ensure his continued presence in one of the league’s premier showcase events.
