NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Unfolds in Los Angeles with Top Plays

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend started Friday in Inglewood, California, bringing the league's top players to Los Angeles for a series of events. This marks the 75th annual All-Star Game on Sunday at Intuit Dome, with festivities at Kia Forum and other venues drawing fans to see stars compete in games and contests.

Background

NBA All-Star Weekend has been a highlight of the basketball calendar for 75 years, giving fans a chance to watch the best players in fun formats away from regular season games. This year, the event returned to Los Angeles, a city with deep ties to the NBA through teams like the Lakers and Clippers. The Intuit Dome, the new home of the Clippers, hosts the main All-Star Game for the first time, seating over 18,000 fans in a modern arena that opened in 2024.

Planning for the weekend began months ago, with the league selecting Los Angeles to celebrate its basketball history. Players qualified for the All-Star Game through fan votes, media picks, and player ballots, resulting in a roster packed with current stars and college standouts. Friday's schedule set the tone, starting with a celebrity game at the Kia Forum, where entertainers and former athletes played for charity. That was followed by the Rising Stars challenge at Intuit Dome, showcasing first- and second-year players in a fast-paced game.

The night closed with the HBCU Classic, pitting Hampton University's men's team against North Carolina A&T. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a strong basketball tradition, and this matchup highlighted that legacy. Saturday brought skills competitions, including the 3-point contest and slam dunk event, plus the Shooting Stars competition with NBA alumni like Richard Hamilton, Allan Houston, Corey Maggette, and Ron Harper Sr. teaming up with a current player and WNBA star.

Many All-Stars have college roots, with 15 having played in March Madness. Kentucky leads with five players in the game, including standouts like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker. Their tournament highlights, from buzzer-beaters to big dunks, added extra buzz as fans recalled those moments.

Key Details

Friday's celebrity game at Kia Forum featured actors, musicians, and ex-players in a lighthearted matchup. The game emphasized fun, with scores staying close amid trick shots and crowd-pleasing plays. It drew a lively crowd eager for the weekend's start.

Rising Stars and HBCU Classic

The Rising Stars game at Intuit Dome pitted rookies and sophomores against each other, with teams coached by NBA legends. Players like Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes shone, showing off quick drives and sharp passes from their early college days. The energy was high, with dunks and threes lighting up the scoreboard.

The HBCU Classic followed, where Hampton took on North Carolina A&T. Both teams played with pride, trading baskets in a tight contest. Hampton pulled ahead late with strong defense and free throws, winning by a narrow margin. The game celebrated HBCU basketball, drawing applause for its competitive spirit.

Saturday's events ramped up the excitement. The 3-point contest saw shooters like Stephen Curry and Devin Booker draining long-range shots under pressure. Curry, known for his range, hit a flurry of threes in the final round, advancing with smooth form. The slam dunk contest featured high-flying finishes, with one rookie posterizing a defender for a perfect score.

Shooting Stars brought back alumni for a team relay of shots from different spots. Hamilton, Houston, Maggette, and Harper Sr. joined forces with current stars, nailing half-court heaves and quick releases. The crowd roared for the veterans' precision.

All-Star Game Preview

Sunday's All-Star Game at Intuit Dome features Eastern and Western Conference teams. Captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo drafted their squads, mixing vets with young talent. James picked players like Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell, while Antetokounmpo took Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. The format allows for creative play, often leading to high scores and highlight dunks.

"This weekend is about celebrating the game and giving back to the fans," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during opening remarks.

Players shared stories from their college days, like Brunson's Villanova drives in March Madness or Towns' rebounding for Kentucky. These ties made the event feel personal for many.

What This Means

The weekend spotlights the NBA's depth, from established stars to rising talents. Hosting in Los Angeles boosts the local economy, with sold-out venues and fan events filling hotels and restaurants. The Intuit Dome's debut as All-Star host cements its place in league history.

For players, strong showings can build momentum heading into the playoffs. Contests like the dunk event often launch careers, as seen with past winners. The HBCU Classic raises visibility for those programs, potentially aiding recruiting and funding.

College connections remind fans of the pipeline from campus to pros. Kentucky's five All-Stars show the program's impact, with players like Gilgeous-Alexander crediting tournament experience for their pro success. As the weekend wraps, it sets the stage for the second half of the season, where regular games resume with renewed intensity.

The event also highlights diversity, with WNBA participation in Shooting Stars and HBCU representation. It draws global viewers, expanding the NBA's reach. By Sunday night, the new All-Star Game champion will be crowned, capping a weekend full of memorable plays.