LeBron James Selected for 22nd Consecutive NBA All-Star Game
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NEW YORK — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was named to the NBA All-Star Game for a record 22nd straight season, the league announced Sunday night on NBC ahead of the Lakers’ matchup with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The 41-year-old extends his marks for most overall and consecutive selections. Coaches conducted the voting during the past week. James missed last season’s showcase because of an injury but remains the league’s oldest active player.
James shared the floor Sunday with three other 2026 All-Stars: starters Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, and fellow reserve Karl-Anthony Towns.
Western Conference reserves
Kevin Durant led the group with his 16th selection, moving into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time list behind Kobe Bryant (18), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and James. First-time honorees Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers) joined Durant. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves earned his fourth nod, while Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns received his fifth.
Eastern Conference reserves
Karl-Anthony Towns collected his sixth selection. He was joined by Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers (seventh), Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers (fourth) and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors (second). First-time picks included Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson.
Event format and coaching
The Feb. 15 game at the LA Clippers’ arena in Inglewood, California, will follow the new U.S. vs. The World format. Twenty-four players will be split into three eight-man squads—two American rosters and one international. Each team will play two games; the two best records, or the top two point differentials if all finish 1-1, will meet in the championship.
Commissioner Adam Silver must name at least one replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined by a calf injury, and may add additional players to preserve the required 16 American and eight international spots.
Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, whose team leads the Eastern Conference, has secured one coaching position. Either Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs or David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets will claim another based on Sunday’s results. The league has not disclosed the selection method for the third coach. Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault is ineligible after coaching last year’s game.
Source: ESPN
