A record streak of longevity achieved by LeBron James will officially come to an end this year at the NBA’s reimagined 2026 All-Star Game.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was not voted as starter for February’s NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, next month, after 10 players – five from each conference – were revealed during the league’s MLK Day coverage on Monday, Jan. 19.
It breaks a record run of 21 consecutive All-Star Games in which James has been selected as a starter, dating back to his second season in the league.
The five starters from each conference were chosen through voting conducted through the fans (50%), media (25%) and current players (25%).
The 41-year-old still has an opportunity to make this year’s All-Star Game as a reserve in his record 23rd season. Those will be announced on Sunday, Feb. 1 after being picked by the league’s coaches.
This year’s All-Star Game, scheduled to be played on Feb. 15, features a round-robin style USA vs. World format with the goal of having 16 American selections and eight international picks.
The NBA is trying again to jolt life into its All-Star weekend after years of waning interest from players and fans alike. The solution this year has been to attempt to replicate some of dynamics from the successful 4 Nations Faceoff event held in lieu of an NHL All-Star Game in 2025.
James was a late scratch from playing in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game after citing foot and ankle discomfort, though he did appear on the bench after being chosen as a starter.
His candidacy as an All-Star during got more complicated after he missed the opening 14 games of the Lakers’ regular season while dealing with sciatica. James was nonetheless averaging nearly 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists through, Sunday, Jan. 18.
James has been selected as an All-Star in every year of his NBA career except his rookie season (2003-04) and won All-Star Game MVP three times.
