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2026.01.20 14:40 GMT+8

LeBron James' 21-year NBA All-Star starter streak comes to an end

Updated 2026.01.20 14:40 GMT+8
Sports Scene

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles in the game against the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, January 18, 2026. /VCG

The NBA on Monday announced the starting lineup for the 2026 All-Star Game: Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama for the Western Conference and Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Eastern Conference.

That means LeBron James, 41, will not be an All-Star starter for the first time since 2004.

James has averaged 22.6 points per game, the lowest of his career since his rookie season in 2003-04, in 24 appearances for the Los Angeles Lakers so far by Monday.

His streak of consecutive games scoring double-digit points as well earlier this season when he finished with eight points in a thriller against the Toronto Raptors.

James can still be named an All-Star reserve of which the roster will be announced on February 1.

James' teammate Doncic received the most fan votes of 3,402,967 to make his fifth start and sixth appearance in the All-Star event. He currently leads the league with 33.3 points per game in addition to 7.5 rebounds and 8.6 assists.

Antetokounmpo led the East in fan votes with approximately 3.2 million, behind only Doncic, for his 10th consecutive All-Star Game. He averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game for the Milwaukee Bucks per game by Sunday.

This year's All-Star Game will take place at Intuit Dome, the new home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, California, on February 15.

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