For the first time since he entered the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was not voted an All-Star starter, ending a run that began in 2005. The 41-year-old missed the season’s first 14 games with sciatica and has appeared in only 24 of the Lakers’ 41 contests.
James owns a league-record 21 All-Star selections, two more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 19. To keep his streak alive, Western Conference coaches would need to choose him as a reserve when ballots are finalized. The four-time MVP’s lone absence from the mid-season showcase came during his 2003/04 rookie campaign.
Despite limited availability, James is averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 50.9% from the field, 32.8% from three and 75.7% at the line.
Lakers Center Deandre Ayton Posts Perfect Night
After sitting out Saturday’s loss to Portland with left knee soreness, Deandre Ayton returned Sunday and powered the Lakers past Toronto. The center scored 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds and committed no turnovers. According to ESPN Research, he is the first Laker since turnovers became an official stat in 1977/78 to score at least 25 points on 100% shooting without a turnover. Ayton also joined Wilt Chamberlain and Mitch Kupchak as the only Lakers with 10 or more made field goals, no misses and at least 10 rebounds in a game.
Warriors Sit DeAnthony Melton and Draymond Green
Golden State guard DeAnthony Melton will not play Monday against Miami, the first half of a back-to-back set. In 373 minutes this season, the Warriors are plus-19.6 points per 100 possessions with Melton on the floor compared with minus-0.7 in the 1,701 minutes he has been out. The 27-year-old missed most of last season and the start of 2025/26 while recovering from a torn left ACL.
Forward/center Draymond Green has also been ruled out for Monday due to a right ankle sprain after initially being listed as questionable.
Kings’ Winning Streak Ends
The Sacramento Kings saw their four-game surge halted by Portland on Sunday. The Sacramento Bee highlighted several unexpected metrics driving that streak, though the specifics were not enough to extend the run.
Source: HoopsRumors
