At a Glance
- LeBron James says he is not upset after being left off the 2026 NBA All-Star starting lineup.
- He will play if named a reserve and has already been selected for 22 consecutive All-Star Games.
- The NBA will release the reserve roster on Feb. 1; the game itself is on Feb. 15 in Los Angeles.
Introduction
Jonathan P. Miller reports that the league’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, remains calm after missing the starting spot for the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in 21 straight years. The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star told reporters that he is “not at all” bothered and will attend if selected as a reserve.
LeBron’s Calm Response to the Snub
When asked about the disappointment of not being chosen as a starter, James said, “Nah, not at all.” He added that being left off the starting roster does not preclude him from the 22nd consecutive All-Star appearance, a league record. James emphasized that he is “always grateful” for the opportunity and that the decision to attend would not change whether he is on the bench or the floor.
> “If I’m there, I’ll be there in attendance. If I’m not, I know I’ll be able to take full advantage of it, I know exactly what I’ll be doing,” he told reporters. “So I’m good either way.”
Career Highlights and Context
James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time league MVP. His 22nd consecutive All-Star selection ties him for the most selections in a row by a single player. Over his career, he has been named an All-Star 22 times and has earned four NBA championships with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
- All-Star Appearances: 22 straight selections (record)
- MVP Awards: 4
- Scoring Record: All-time leading scorer
Voting Mechanics and Current Standings
The NBA All-Star roster is largely determined by fan votes, with additional input from players and media members. According to ESPN, James missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, and he was “never close” to securing enough votes for a starting role. Despite averaging more than 22 points per game-his lowest average since his rookie season in 2005-he was not in the running.
The voting results highlighted Luka Dončić as the league’s top vote-getter, followed by LeBron James. Other starters for the Western Conference include Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama.
| Starter (Western Conference) | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 2025 MVP, 3-point king |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 2024 Defensive Player of the Year |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Rising star, 2026 All-Star |
| Nikola Jokic | 2024 NBA Champion |
| Victor Wembanyama | 7-foot-4 rookie sensation |
What Happens Next
James is awaiting the announcement of the reserve list, slated for Feb. 1. The NBA All-Star Game will take place in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome on Feb. 15. If James is named a reserve, he will join the roster of 12 starters and 12 reserves for the game. The Lakers’ recent trade of Luka Dončić in February is seen as a strategic move to bolster James’ chances of adding a fifth championship before retirement.
- Reserve Announcement: Feb. 1
- Game Venue: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles
- Game Date: Feb. 15
- Lakers Strategy: Acquisition of Dončić to support championship pursuit
Key Takeaways
- LeBron James remains unfazed by the lack of a starting spot, focusing on gratitude and opportunity.
- He has already secured 22 straight All-Star selections, a record for a single player.
- The reserve roster will be revealed on Feb. 1; the game itself is on Feb. 15 in Los Angeles.
- The voting process shows strong fan support for Luka Dončić, with James still a top contender for a reserve spot.
Conclusion
While the 41-year-old has faced a new kind of scrutiny after a 21-year streak of starting positions ended, his response underscores a career built on resilience. Fans and analysts alike will watch to see whether the Lakers’ veteran will add another chapter to his All-Star legacy on the coming Feb. 15.
