LeBron James named 2026 NBA All-Star reserve, extends historic 22-year streak

The basketball world was taken by surprise when the National Basketball Association (NBA) officially announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, set to be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Among the biggest talking points was the notable absence of LeBron James from the list of starters—marking the first time in 22 years that the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player was not voted in as an All-Star starter.

The development initially led many fans and analysts to speculate that James’ remarkable streak of consecutive All-Star appearances had finally come to an end. However, those fears were quickly put to rest after the 41-year-old superstar was named to the Western Conference reserve pool, ensuring that his unprecedented All-Star run remains intact.

With the selection, James extends his record streak to 22 consecutive All-Star appearances, further cementing his status as one of the most enduring and accomplished players in league history. He also becomes just the second player ever to earn multiple All-Star selections after turning 40, joining NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in an exclusive club that underscores his longevity and sustained excellence.

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James’ continued presence on the All-Star stage is even more impressive given the challenges he faced earlier in the season. The four-time NBA champion missed the first 14 games of the 2025–26 campaign due to a sciatica issue in his back, forcing him to slowly work his way back into peak condition. While the early absence affected his overall counting stats, James has steadily regained form and rhythm as the season progressed.

Over his last 24 games, the Los Angeles Lakers icon has averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per contest, while shooting an efficient 52 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. Those numbers reflect not only his scoring ability but also his continued impact as a playmaker and floor leader, even in his 21st NBA season.

James’ All-Star résumé remains unmatched. He is the NBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer with 434 points and has earned All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors three times. Across 20 All-Star appearances, he owns career averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He has also served as an All-Star captain on eight occasions and leads all players in All-Star history in total points (434), field goals made (182), and minutes played (537).

As the league celebrates another showcase of its brightest stars, James’ inclusion—starter or not—serves as a reminder that his influence on the game remains as strong as ever. Even as younger superstars continue to rise, the Lakers forward continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his place among the NBA’s elite is far from symbolic.

Below is the full list of players selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

Making his 22nd NBA All-Star appearance… LeBron James of the @Lakers.

Drafted as the 1st pick in 2003 out of Akron, Ohio, @KingJames is averaging 21.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 6.6 APG for the Lakers this season. pic.twitter.com/liXs6ca4OI

— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 1, 2026

2026 NBA All-Star Game Starters

Eastern Conference

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
• Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
• Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
• Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Western Conference

• Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
• Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
• Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

2026 NBA All-Star Game Reserves

Eastern Conference

• Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
• Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
• Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
• Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
• Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
• Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
• Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

Western Conference

• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
• Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
• Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
• Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
• Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
• Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

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