NBA All-Star Game 2026: James, Leonard Propel Team USA Stripes as Doncic Sees Limited Action
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The 75th NBA All-Star Game unfolded Saturday afternoon, Feb. 15, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, featuring a new three-team format that pitted two squads of U.S. players against a World roster.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James suited up for Team USA Stripes, while teammate Luka Doncic represented the World Team. Both entered the event nursing recent injuries and were held to restricted minutes.
World vs. USA Stars
The tournament opened with the World Team facing USA Stars. Doncic logged five minutes, collecting two points and two assists before sitting out the remainder of the afternoon. Regulation ended deadlocked at 32-32, forcing a first-to-five overtime that ended on a Scottie Barnes three-pointer, giving the Stars a comeback victory.
USA Stripes vs. USA Stars
In the second matchup, James jump-started the Stripes with an assist to Kevin Durant for a three-pointer, then knocked down one of his own. Over his first five minutes, the 21-year veteran posted five points, one rebound and one assist. The contest remained tight until De’Aaron Fox buried a buzzer-beating triple to lift the Stripes. James finished with eight points.
USA Stripes vs. World
The third game saw the Stripes square off against the World Team without Doncic on the floor. Kawhi Leonard dominated, pouring in 31 points and sinking the game-winner. James added two points, two rebounds and four assists, including a pivotal put-back dunk in the final minute.
Championship: USA Stars vs. USA Stripes
Playing back-to-back, the Stripes faced a rested Stars lineup in the deciding game. James scored five straight points to spark a rally, but the Stars’ early surge held, securing the overall tournament win. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards claimed the Kobe Bryant Trophy as Most Valuable Player.
The Lakers now break for All-Star weekend before returning Friday to meet the L.A. Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles enters the hiatus tied for fifth in the Western Conference at 33-21.
Source: LakersNation.com
