LeBron James’ remarkable 21-year streak as an NBA All-Star Game starter has come to an end after the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was left out of the 10 starters named for next month’s mid-season showcase, MySportDab Reports.
The 41-year-old, who had been selected in the All-Star starting lineup every season since 2005, was the most notable omission from this year’s starters ahead of the event scheduled for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
While James is widely expected to still be selected among the reserves by All-Star coaches, his absence from the starting lineup marks the close of a historic chapter in NBA history.
Five starters were named from each conference following a combined vote by fans, players, and media members. In the Western Conference, James’ Lakers teammate Luka Dončić was selected alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They were joined by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo topped the voting in the Eastern Conference. He will start alongside New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, Detroit Pistons standout Cade Cunningham, Philadelphia 76ers scorer Tyrese Maxey, and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown.
James’ exclusion comes during his 23rd NBA season, one that has been disrupted by injury. The four-time MVP missed the opening 14 games of the campaign due to sciatica but has since returned to solid form, averaging 22.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.
Beyond the selections, the NBA is again revamping the All-Star format in an effort to reignite fan interest. This year’s event will feature a three-team round-robin tournament consisting of two teams of U.S.-based players and one World team made up of international stars.
The competition will include four 12-minute games, with teams advancing based on results and point differential.
Even without a starting nod, James’ continued presence among the league’s elite underscores his enduring impact—though this moment unmistakably signals the gradual turning of the page.
