LeBron James misses NBA All-Star starter spot for first time in 22 years

For the first time in more than two decades, LeBron James will not be starting the NBA All-Star Game.

When the NBA announced its starters on Monday for next month’s All-Star showcase at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, James’ name was notably absent—marking the first time in 22 years that the four-time MVP was not selected as an All-Star starter. The development adds a new wrinkle to what is already a historic season for the league, which will debut a World vs United States mini-tournament format aimed at revitalizing the midseason event.

Despite missing out on a starting spot, James’ All-Star fate is not yet sealed. The 40-year-old superstar could still be selected as a reserve, with those spots determined by a vote among NBA head coaches. Additionally, NBA commissioner Adam Silver retains the authority to name injury replacements if needed. James was not named an All-Star during his rookie season in 2003–04.

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The league announced 10 starters, five from each conference, though the term “starter” carries a different meaning this year due to the revised format. Among those selected were Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokić of Denver, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers, and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio. Those players are expected to represent the World team, which will face two squads comprised of U.S.-born players.

The American contingent of starters includes Stephen Curry (Golden State), Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Jaylen Brown (Boston). These players are expected to be split between two U.S. teams in a three-team, round-robin tournament scheduled for February 15. Each game will be played in a 12-minute format, with the top two teams advancing to a final, also lasting 12 minutes.

James’ omission as a starter brings added attention to his evolving season. Now in his record-setting 23rd NBA campaign, James has already seen another remarkable streak come to an end. In December, his run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games scoring at least 10 points was snapped. He has also missed 17 games this season, putting his eligibility for postseason honors such as All-NBA selections in jeopardy under league participation requirements.

LeBron James’ NBA record of 21 consecutive All-Star selections as a starter has come to an end.

(h/t @WITNESSKJ ) pic.twitter.com/rfTzkuDNTf

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 19, 2026

James has been named to the All-NBA team 21 times in his first 22 seasons, including a second-team selection last year. His streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances ended last season when he declined to play due to foot and ankle injuries, though he was still selected.

Meanwhile, the new generation of stars continues to embrace the moment. Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the newly announced starters, reflected on the significance of earning another All-Star nod.

“It’s still as special as the first one was, honestly,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them. To be able to play in them will always have that same feeling. All the players that I looked up to, that I imitated my game after, played in those games, played on that stage. And for me to be able do so, it’s a blessing and an honor.”

The NBA’s All-Star starters were determined using a weighted voting system, with fan ballots accounting for 50 percent of the total score. Votes from a 100-member media panel made up 25 percent, while current NBA players contributed the remaining 25 percent.

The USA vs World concept has been discussed for years before finally becoming reality this season. League officials and the National Basketball Players Association formally unveiled the plan earlier this year as part of ongoing efforts to reinvigorate interest in the All-Star Game, which has faced criticism in recent seasons for its lack of competitiveness.

With international players now among the league’s biggest stars—and often its most dominant—the new format reflects the NBA’s increasingly global identity. Whether it delivers the competitive spark the league is seeking remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the absence of LeBron James from the list of All-Star starters underscores a changing era in the NBA, even as his influence on the game remains undeniable.

James’ ultimate inclusion in the All-Star festivities will be revealed when reserves are announced later this month, ensuring that, starter or not, his presence will continue to loom large over one of the league’s most anticipated annual events.

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