LeBron James Hits 22nd Straight All-Star Nod as Reserves Revealed

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers earned a spot as a Western Conference reserve in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, marking his 22nd straight selection and breaking his own record. The NBA announced the reserves Sunday night on NBC, ahead of the Lakers' game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The midseason showcase takes place Feb. 15 under a new format pitting U.S. players against international stars.

Background

James first made the All-Star team in 2005 as a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has appeared every year since, even after moving to the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and now with the Lakers. This streak stands alone in NBA history. No other player has reached 22 consecutive selections.

At 41 years old, James missed the first month of the season but has played 30 games. He averages 21.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Coaches from around the league vote on reserves, and they chose James for the West team over players like Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers and Alperen Sengun of the Rockets.

The All-Star process starts with fans, players, and media voting for starters. Coaches then pick seven reserves per conference. This year, voters no longer split picks by backcourt or frontcourt. They just choose the top players. The league also sets rules to balance rosters: at least 16 U.S. players and eight international ones. Commissioner Adam Silver can add players if needed.

Starters were named last month. In the West, they include Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry of the Lakers and Warriors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, and Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves starts too. East starters are Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers, Jalen Brunson of the Knicks, and Cade Cunningham of the Pistons.

Key Details

Western Conference reserves join James: Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, Jamal Murray of the Nuggets, Chet Holmgren of the Thunder, Kevin Durant of the Rockets, Devin Booker of the Suns, and Deni Avdija of the Trail Blazers. Durant now has 16 All-Star nods, fourth most ever. He passed Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

Edwards brings energy as a starter and reserve mix. Murray and Holmgren make their first All-Star teams. Murray has posted big games, including multiple 50-point outings in playoffs past. Holmgren, a young center, anchors the Thunder's rise.

Eastern Conference Reserves

East reserves include Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers, Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks, Pascal Siakam of the Pacers, Norman Powell of the Heat, Scottie Barnes of the Raptors, and Jalen Duren of the Pistons. Mitchell gets his seventh nod. Towns his sixth. Siakam his fourth. Barnes his second.

First-timers are Johnson, Powell, and Duren. Powell has stepped up for the Heat after turning 30. Duren helps the Pistons, who lead the East and earned their coach a spot. Johnson shines for the Hawks.

The game shifts to U.S. vs. the World. Twenty-four players split into three eight-player teams: two U.S. and one international. They play two 12-minute games each. Top two teams by record or point differential face off in a final.

"Super humbling," James said after the Lakers' loss to the Knicks. "The coaches voted, right, so mad respect to the coaches and them seeing the way I'm still playing at this latter stage of my career. And to be able to be an All-Star means a lot to my family, people that have been following my career."

James skipped last year's game due to injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick called his run incredible. Teammate Luka Doncic said James plays at a top level for his age.

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, an East starter, will miss the game with a calf injury from last weekend. Silver will name a replacement, likely Leonard or Sengun. Coaches for All-Star teams go to Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff, whose Pistons top the East, and San Antonio's Mitch Johnson, after the Spurs' recent wins.

What This Means

James's selection shows his lasting impact. He holds records for most All-Star picks overall and in a row. Durant closing in on the top three highlights his staying power too. Young players like Holmgren, Johnson, Powell, and Duren signal a new wave mixing with veterans.

The format change aims to boost competition. Short games could mean more intensity than past exhibitions. U.S. vs. World adds national pride, with internationals like Doncic, Jokic, Wembanyama, and Gilgeous-Alexander facing Americans.

Roster rules ensure diversity. Towns and Powell, born in the U.S. but playing for other nations, count toward quotas if on U.S. teams. Eight other internationals fill the list: Doncic, Jokic, Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Murray, Siakam, and Avdija.

For teams, All-Star breaks offer rest. Lakers face tough West play. James's stats hold steady despite age and early absence. Pistons and Spurs lead conferences, tying into coaching spots.

Snubs spark talk. Some expected Bridges over Towns for Knicks. West depth pushed out Leonard despite his scoring lead since December. Sengun missed too. These picks reflect coaches' views on current form.

The event draws top talent yearly. With 24 players set, plus replacements, fans get a showcase of stars. James sharing the floor with Doncic, his Lakers teammate and starter, adds layers. Sunday's reveal sets the stage for Feb. 15.