LeBron James Extends All-Star Streak to 22 Years as Reserve

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers earned a spot as a Western Conference reserve for the NBA All-Star Game on February 15. This marks his 22nd straight selection, a record that now stretches further. The league announced the reserves Sunday night during a broadcast before the Lakers played the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Background

James first made an All-Star team back in 2005 as a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, he has appeared every year without a break until now. No other player comes close to this mark. At 41 years old, James missed the first month of the season but has played in 30 games. He averages 21.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.

The NBA picks All-Star starters through votes from fans, players, and media. Coaches then select the seven reserves for each conference. This year, the league dropped the old backcourt and frontcourt categories. Voters now just pick the top players no matter their position.

The All-Star Game itself has a new look for 2026. It will pit U.S. players against the world in a tournament style. Three teams of eight players each will play two 12-minute games. The top two teams advance to a final. The league sets rules to ensure at least 16 American players and eight international ones make the cut. Commissioner Adam Silver can add players if needed.

James skipped last year's All-Star event due to an injury. This season, he joins teammate Luka Doncic, who starts for the West. The Lakers faced the Knicks Sunday, losing 112-100. Three All-Stars were on the court that night: starters Doncic and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks, plus reserve Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks.

Key Details

Western Conference reserves include James alongside 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. Murray and Holmgren make their first appearances.

Eastern Conference reserves are 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. Duren, Johnson, and Powell are first-time picks. Mitchell gets his seventh, Towns his sixth, Siakam his fourth, and Barnes his second.

Full All-Star Rosters

Starters for the West: Luka Doncic (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs). Eastern starters: Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Cade Cunningham (Pistons).

Coaches picked these reserves after looking at team records and player stats. James was the last name called, beating out names like Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers and Alperen Sengun of the Rockets. Coaches put him on the West team.

One spot remains open. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, an Eastern starter, hurt his calf last weekend and will miss the game. Silver will name a replacement, likely Leonard or Sengun.

Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff will coach one team after the Pistons lead the East. San Antonio's Mitch Johnson gets another coaching spot after the Spurs won key games Sunday.

"Super humbling," James said Sunday night. "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."

"Of course he deserves it," Doncic said. "He's playing at a top level still at that age. It's incredible to share the floor with him."

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James too.

"You think about a star player, their prime is their All-NBA, All-Star years," Redick said. "And you know, he's basically had a 20-plus-year prime. It's kind of unheard of."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke on Norman Powell.

"I believe that he deserves it, and I think probably one of the best compliments you can give him is the fact that he starred in all of his roles that he's had in his career, and he just continues to get better," Spoelstra said.

Nuggets coach David Adelman backed Jamal Murray's pick, noting his big games and role on a top team.

What This Means

James's streak shows his lasting impact on the league. At 41, he remains one of the top players in a loaded Western Conference. His stats hold up against younger stars, and coaches saw enough to pick him over others.

The new format brings fresh energy. U.S. vs. World could highlight international talent like Jokic, Wembanyama, and Gilgeous-Alexander against American stars. Roster rules guarantee a mix, with players like Towns (Dominican Republic) and Powell (Jamaica) counting toward international spots despite U.S. births.

First-timers like Holmgren, Murray, Duren, Johnson, and Powell signal rising talent. Holmgren anchors the Thunder's defense. Duren helps the Pistons' top East record. These picks reward breakout seasons.

Durant's 16th nod puts him in rare company, behind only Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James. The rosters blend experience and youth, setting up competitive games.

Antetokounmpo's absence opens a door. Leonard leads in scoring and steals since December. Sengun dominates inside for Houston. Silver's choice will shape the East starters.

The game stays in its midseason slot, giving players a break before the stretch run. Teams like the Pistons and Spurs earn coaching perks through strong play. For James, this nod caps a season start marked by his return from rest. His presence keeps drawing eyes to the event.