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The All-Star Game has been an annual trip for LeBron James, but that may not be the case this year.
For the first time since his rookie season, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was not named a starter for the All-Star Game.
The starters, who are chosen by fans, NBA players and members of the media, were revealed earlier this week. Reserves are chosen by NBA head coaches. Therefore, James’ fate will be decided by them, or possibly even by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during their game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
James missed the start of the season with sciatica and returned after 14 games. He started slowly, averaging 14 points per game and ending a streak of 1,297 games scoring at least 10 points (he got the assist on a buzzer-beater).
But in 18 games since then, he’s back to his old self, averaging 25.5 points, 6.6 assists and 6.4 rebounds.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) reacts after scoring a basket as forward Rui Hachimura, back left, watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
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James extended his NBA record by making his 21st consecutive All-Star Game last season, but about 90 minutes before the game, he announced he would not play due to foot and ankle discomfort; he had played in each of the previous 20 games.
James, 41, said he was “TBD” for all consecutive games the rest of the season because of his age, so he might like to stay home this year. However, he wouldn’t have to travel far, as the game will be played in Inglewood, at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome. James currently plays for their rival Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) speaks with a reporter after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew/Image Images)
The game will feature a USA vs. World, as Silver cited the Winter Olympics and the success of the NHL’s 4 Nations tournament as reasons for the change amid the dull play of recent years.
