In a significant shift for the NBA, LeBron James' remarkable era of dominance in All-Star fan voting has officially come to an end. For the first time since his rookie season in 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar will not be a starter in the league's annual showcase event.
Historic Streak Halted for Lakers Legend
The official announcement came through on Tuesday, confirming that the 41-year-old James did not secure enough votes from fans to be named among the Western Conference's top five players. This ends an unprecedented streak of 22 consecutive seasons where LeBron James was voted in as an All-Star starter, a testament to his enduring popularity and performance.
This season, the league's all-time leading scorer has shown signs of his age, battling a sciatica injury that caused him to miss the first 14 games. He has since sat out three more matches. His current scoring average of 23 points per game marks his lowest output since that initial 2003-04 campaign, setting the stage for this changing of the guard.
The New Faces Leading the Western Conference
So, who did fans choose instead? The Western Conference starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game represent a blend of established MVPs and rising phenoms.
The elite group includes:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Denver's two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic
- Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Steph Curry
- San Antonio's third-year sensation, Victor Wembanyama
- James' own Lakers teammate, Luka Doncic
This selection highlights the league's evolving landscape, with Wembanyama's inclusion particularly signalling the arrival of a new generation.
What's Next for LeBron and the All-Star Game?
While not a starter, James' participation in the All-Star weekend is not completely ruled out. LeBron James can still be selected as a reserve by the league's coaches, an honour that many anticipate he will receive given his stature and continued high-level play when healthy.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to be held in Los Angeles on February 16, which would make a potential reserve selection for the local legend a poignant moment. In the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo led the fan voting. He will be joined by Jalen Brunson (New York), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Jaylen Brown (Boston).
This moment marks a pivotal point in basketball history, as one of the sport's greatest-ever players sees a personal record streak conclude, making way for the league's emerging talents to take centre stage.
