LeBron James earns record 22nd All-Star nod as 2026 reserves announced

Following the fan-voted starters, NBA coaches selected 14 reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game, with LeBron James securing his record-extending 22nd consecutive selection as a Western Conference reserve. The full rosters blend veterans and rookies for the USA vs. The World format at Intuit Dome. Giannis Antetokounmpo is out with a calf injury.

The reserves join the 10 starters announced on January 20, completing the 24-player rosters for the 75th NBA All-Star Game (February 13-15 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA; game on February 15 at 5 p.m. ET).

James (Lakers), averaging 21.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists at age 40, surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 19 selections. Western reserves: James (Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Jamal Murray (Nuggets, first-time), Chet Holmgren (Thunder, first-time), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Devin Booker (Suns), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers, first-time). Eastern reserves: Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jalen Johnson (Hawks, first-time), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Pascal Siakam (Pacers), Norman Powell (Heat, first-time), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Jalen Duren (Pistons, first-time).

Recap of starters (as previously announced): West—Luka Dončić (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokić (Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs). East—Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks; out with calf strain—replacement by Commissioner Adam Silver).

The debut USA vs. The World format features three eight-player teams (two U.S., one international) in a round-robin tournament of 12-minute games, with a championship final. Requires at least 16 U.S. players and eight internationals. Notable snubs: Kawhi Leonard, Alperen Şengün, Joel Embiid, Evan Mobley.

Selections ignored traditional backcourt/frontcourt divides. Weekend kicks off February 13 with Rising Stars and Celebrity Game; Skills Night February 14.

What people are saying

Reactions on X celebrate LeBron James' record 22nd consecutive All-Star selection as a reserve, while sparking debates over snubs like Kawhi Leonard and Alperen Sengun, surprise picks such as Deni Avdija and Chet Holmgren, and questions about LeBron's deservingness given his stats and the depth of the West.

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Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrate as top 2026 NBA All-Star starters at Intuit Dome, highlighting new USA vs. World format.
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2026 NBA All-Star Game starters announced: Dončić, Antetokounmpo top votes

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The NBA announced the 10 starters for the 2026 All-Star Game on January 20 during its MLK Day broadcast. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers) topped fan voting with 3.4 million votes for his sixth start, while Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) led the East. Starters include Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama in the West, and Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey in the East. Notably, LeBron James will miss starting for the first time in 22 years.

The NBA announced the reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game on Sunday, completing the rosters for the event featuring a United States versus international format. While starters were already set, the selection process highlighted debates over deserving players left out due to limited spots. Notable snubs include standout performers like Michael Porter Jr. and Kawhi Leonard, who posted career-high numbers this season.

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Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers tops the first round of fan voting for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game with 1,249,518 votes, narrowly ahead of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who leads the East with 1,192,296. The results highlight strong support for international stars under the event's new format. Nikola Jokić follows in third overall with 1,128,962 votes.

The NBA has announced the 28 players selected for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars Challenge, highlighting top rookies, sophomores and G League talents. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, former Duke teammates, lead the rookie class, while Donovan Clingan and Jaylon Tyson represent promising second-year players. The event will take place on February 13 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend.

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The NBA has unveiled the teams for the 2026 Rising Stars Game following a live draft by Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. The event features 21 rookies and sophomores divided into three squads, plus a G League team, set to compete in a mini-tournament on February 13 in Inglewood, California. Cooper Flagg was the top pick for Team Carmelo.

San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. He joins Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes as the first two participants announced for the event on February 14 in Inglewood, California.

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The NBA has released the schedule for the 2026 Finals, beginning on Wednesday, June 3, with a format that avoids Sunday games for the first time since 1970. This adjustment could provide a longer gap before the NBA Draft if the series goes to seven games. The changes accommodate broadcasting conflicts and international events.

 

 

 

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