Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James hasn’t been the same star this season. That’s why he didn’t get enough votes to be an NBA All-Star starter this year, ending his 21-year streak. James struggled to be healthy early in the 2025-26 campaign, limiting his time on the floor. On top of that, he needed time to get back into rhythm.
James missed the first 14 games for the Lakers due to right sciatica. In his first 10 games back from injury, he averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists on 26.1% shooting from deep. His streak of scoring at least 10 points per game also ended during that stretch.
His adjustment time back on the floor contributed to why he wasn’t voted by fans.
After the Lakers’ 115-107 win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, LeBron James was asked about his thoughts on not being an All-Star starter. This is the first time in his 23-year career that James won’t be part of the festivities since his rookie season.
“No, not at all,” James said when asked if he reacted to not being an All-Star starter.
Lebron on the all star game:
"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, so I'm good either way" pic.twitter.com/yM4GIBmDfr
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 21, 2026
There’s still a chance for the Lakers star to be an All-Star, if coaches vote him as part of the reserves.
“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, so I’m good either way.”
LeBron James gave a shoutout to Luka Doncic for being an All-Star starter
Although LeBron James wasn’t voted as an All-Star starter this season, the Lakers still have someone in the starting lineup: Luka Doncic. The star guard was a favorite among the fans and had 3.4 million fan votes. Doncic secured his starting spot for the Western Conference, and James gave him a shoutout.
“First of all, shoutout to Luka,” he said. “All-Star leading vote-getter. It was dope seeing that patch on his jersey tonight, that was pretty cool, and he showed why he is who he is. When he has so many eyes on him, when I catch the ball and I got a numbers game, 4-on-3, I feel like I can make the right pass for my teammates.”
Doncic debuted his All-Star patches against the Nuggets and led the team to a victory. He had 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
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