At a Glance
- LeBron James will not start in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 21 years.
- He remains eligible as a reserve and will play at Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome.
- The Lakers star celebrates his 23rd season with special Topps patches.
- Why it matters: It marks a historic shift in the NBA’s all-star tradition and highlights LeBron’s enduring legacy.
LeBron James won’t start in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 21 years. He may still play as a reserve while celebrating his 23rd season with patches. The decision follows a season in which the 41-year-old missed the first 14 games due to sciatica and faced stiff competition on the West Coast.
Why LeBron Missed the Starting Spot
LeBron’s absence from the starting lineup is a rare event. He has been a starter every year since 2005, a streak that now ends. The voting process for starters is a blend of fan enthusiasm, media insight, and player input: 50% fan vote, 25% media vote, and 25% player vote.
| Vote Category | Weight | LeBron’s Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Fan & Player | 50% | 8th |
| Media | 25% | 9th |
His eighth place in the combined fan and player votes and ninth in media votes were not enough to break the tie in the Western Conference, where competition from rising stars and established giants was fierce. The Lakers’ 2025-26 season began with LeBron sidelined for 14 games, a period that likely influenced fan perception and media coverage.
Key Factors
- Injury history: Sciatica kept him out of early-season play.
- Rising competition: Stars like Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry were also vying for the same spot.
- Voting structure: The blend of fan, media, and player votes can shift outcomes when margins are tight.
Who Made the 2026 All-Star Roster
The 2026 roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. LeBron’s teammate, Luka Dončić, secured a spot alongside Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Other notable names include Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman from the San Antonio Spurs.
Western Conference Starters
- Luka Dončić
- Stephen Curry
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Nikola Jokic
- Victor Wembanyama
Eastern Conference Starters
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Jalen Brunson
- Jaylen Brown
- Tyrese Maxey
- Cade Cunningham
LeBron’s teammate, Bronny James, received two votes from NBA players to start, showing the respect within the league, but it was not enough to sway the overall tally.
What Happens Next for LeBron
Although he will not start, LeBron remains in the game as a reserve. The reserve list will be announced on Feb. 1, giving him a chance to play and showcase his leadership.
Beyond the All-Star Game, the Lakers star celebrated his 23rd season with a special Topps edition. Topps announced that the Lakers will display a handful of special-edition 23rd season patches on his jersey, removing them after each game. A number of these patches will also appear in ultra-rare trading cards, a move that has already sparked excitement among collectors.
LeBron shared his enthusiasm on X: “Need some of these for my own collection @Topps!!! So dope,” he posted.
Key Takeaways
- LeBron James’ streak of starting in every All-Star Game since 2005 ends in 2026.
- He remains eligible as a reserve, with the reserve list to be released on Feb. 1.
- The Lakers celebrate his 23rd season with special patches that will appear in trading cards.
- The voting mix of fan, media, and player input can dramatically affect outcomes when competition is tight.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will tip off at Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, on Feb. 15. Fans will witness a historic moment as LeBron James steps into a new chapter of his storied career.
Final Thoughts
LeBron’s journey through 23 seasons in the NBA has been marked by consistency, resilience, and an unbreakable work ethic. While the All-Star starter spot eludes him this year, his impact on the court and his influence off it remain unquestioned. The special patches and the upcoming game will keep the spotlight on the Lakers legend, reminding everyone of his enduring legacy in the league.
