LeBron James has extended his NBA record to 22 consecutive All-Star selections after being named a Western Conference reserve for the 2026 game.
Despite a late start to the season due to sciatica, which forced him to miss the Lakers’ first 14 games, the 41-year-old has averaged 21.9 points over 31 appearances.
James admitted the nod was unexpected, stating his primary focus was simply returning to a high level of play after missing his first-ever career pre-season.
“I didn’t think about the All-Star Game, to be honest,” James said following the Lakers’ loss to the Knicks.
This year’s event features a revamped round-robin format with two U.S. teams and one International team.
After four 12-minute games, the top two teams will battle in a championship final.
James joins a reserve list featuring Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards. They will support a Western starting five headlined by Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama. In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jalen Brunson lead the charge.
Having missed the 2025 game through injury, James’ selection marks a triumphant return to the league’s showcase event in his third decade of professional basketball.
