LeBron James left out of the starting five for the All-Star Game for the first time in his career

The NBA announced on Monday the starters of the 2026 All-Star Game next month, and the result brought a historic piece of news: LeBron James was not chosen as a starter, something that had not happened since he debuted in the event in 2005.

In the Western Conference, the top-voted player was Luka Dončić, accompanied by Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), and Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors).
In the Eastern Conference, the starting lineup will be led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), and Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics).

The big surprise of the announcement was the absence of LeBron James among the starters. The Lakers forward had been a starter in 21 consecutive All-Star Games, an absolute record, since that All-Star game played in Denver in 2005. However, this time, he wasn't even close to receiving the necessary votes to enter the starting lineup of the West.

James missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica and, upon his return, had an irregular start. Among the most notable moments was the end of his historic streak of 1,297 consecutive games scoring at least 10 points, which was broken last month in Toronto. All of this left his presence in this year's All-Star in the hands of the coaches' selection, who will determine the reserves.

Curry, Giannis, and established stars

Although LeBron was not a starter, Stephen Curry did receive recognition. It will be his twelfth All-Star selection, further solidifying his Hall of Fame candidacy. Curry averages 27.6 points per game and is close to turning 38 years old.

The other prominent veteran is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the voting in the East. The Bucks forward registers 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, although Milwaukee is struggling and holds the 11th spot in the East.

Dončić, Jokic, and Western dominance

Dončić returns to the All-Star after missing the previous edition due to a calf injury, the same that influenced his surprising transfer to the Lakers. He leads the fan vote and averages 33.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists.

Nikola Jokic, despite missing the last two weeks due to a knee contusion, was having another outstanding season before the injury, with 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the current NBA MVP, averages 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists leading a Thunder team dominating the league.

The last spot in the Western quintet went to Victor Wembanyama, who debuts as a starter after being an All-Star for the first time last season. The French center records 24.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, leading the NBA in blocks.

An East with new leading faces

In the Eastern Conference, Cade Cunningham will make his second appearance in the All-Star and his first as a starter, leading a Pistons team that tops the conference and aims for a season of 60 wins after a remarkable growth.

Tyrese Maxey will also start for the first time and earns his second All-Star selection, with an average of over 30 points per game, playing a key role in the 76ers' recovery after a disappointing previous campaign.
Jalen Brunson, with 28.2 points and 6.1 assists, will play his third consecutive All-Star with the Knicks.

The Eastern lineup is completed by Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 29.7 points, the best mark of his career, for a Celtics team that faces the Monday game against Detroit in second place in the conference, 4.5 games behind the leaders.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, LeBron James, fuera del quinteto titular del All Star por primera vez en su carrera