For the first time in more than two decades, LeBron James will not be among the starters in the NBA All-Star Game. The Los Angeles Lakers forward, at age 41, saw his streak of 21 consecutive All-Star starting selections come to an end this week.
James’ name was absent when the league announced the 2026 All-Star starters Monday. The Western Conference’s top five includes Dallas’ Luka Dončić, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokić and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.
“It’s a historic run,” said one league executive who spoke on condition of anonymity. “No one expected it to end this way, but the voting results tell their own story.” The starters were determined by a combined vote of fans, NBA players and a media panel.
End of a Streak
James, who first made the All-Star starting lineup in 2005, has been a fixture on rosters ever since. That streak — the longest in modern NBA history — began when he was a 20-year-old rising star.
With his omission, James’ consecutive starter streak officially ends at 21. “Every year I’ve been honored by the fans, players and media,” James said in a brief statement through the Lakers. “I appreciate every vote. I’ll continue working hard.”
James missed the first 14 games of this season while recovering from a bout of sciatica. Upon his return, he struggled to find consistent rhythm and saw his usually commanding scoring totals dip.
His absence from the starting lineup also highlights a shift in league dynamics. Younger stars like Dončić and Wembanyama drew significant fan support. Meanwhile, Curry’s selection at age 37 underscores the league’s respect for his enduring excellence.
Still in the Game?
Despite not starting, James still has a chance to play in the All-Star Game. NBA coaches will select reserves, and James remains under consideration. The reserve roster is scheduled to be announced Feb. 1.
“It’s not over until they announce the reserves,” said a Western Conference coach. “LeBron’s impact on this game is too big to ignore.” The All-Star Game itself is set for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown claimed starting spots. Their selections reflect strong fan and peer support across the league.