LeBron James has a chance to join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of the oldest NBA All-Stars ever at 41, but he’ll need a reprieve from commissioner Adam Silver following a voters’ snub.
This week’s All-Star omission became one of the most newsworthy stories of the NBA season. It’s been 21 years since James was absent from All-Star weekend.
LeBron would technically stand alone as the oldest ever All-Star inclusion, given he turned 41 earlier in the season than Kareem.
Here are the 10 oldest NBA All-Star players of all time.
Karem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the benchmark.
He made the All-Star Game at 41 during the 1988–89 season, a year when he was clearly past his peak but nowhere near a ceremonial pick.
Kareem played 74 games for a Lakers team that won 57 regular-season games and reached the NBA Finals.
His scoring was no longer dominant by his standards, averaging just over 10 points per night, but he still played an important role.
He logged real minutes, protected the rim, and aided the Lakers’ depth late into the season.
LeBron James
LeBron James became an All-Star at 40 during the 2024–25 season, extending a streak that had lasted more than two decades.
He averaged over 24 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists per game while playing 70 regular-season games.
The Lakers relied heavily on him as a primary creator, and his minutes remained high by league standards.
That season placed LeBron second on the all-time list for oldest All-Star appearances, behind only Kareem.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan made his final All-Star appearance at 39 during the 2002–03 season with the Washington Wizards.
It was not a brief return or a managed cameo. Jordan played all 82 regular-season games and averaged 20 points per night.
He also logged heavy minutes, often pushing past 35 per game, which was rare for a guard at that age.
Jordan led the Wizards in scoring and remained a focal point of their offense throughout the season.
Even late in his career, Jordan was still carrying a nightly workload few players could match.
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki became an All-Star at 40 during the 2018–19 season, his final year in the NBA.
The selection came as a special roster addition made by the league, recognising his impact across two decades in Dallas.
On the court, Dirk played a reduced role and averaged just over seven points per game across 51 appearances.
His minutes were carefully managed as the season progressed, and the All-Star Game served as a public farewell for one of the league’s defining scorers.
Karl Malone
Karl Malone earned his final All-Star selection at 38 during the 2001–02 season with the Utah Jazz.
Unlike several others on this list, Malone’s numbers remained close to elite level.
Malone averaged more than 22 points and eight rebounds per game while appearing in 80 regular-season contests.
Utah continued to run its offense through him. His minutes stayed high throughout the year.
Malone was selected to the All-Star Game but did not ultimately take part.
Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan made his final All-Star appearance at 38 during the 2014–15 season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Duncan averaged close to 14 points and nine rebounds per game while appearing in 77 regular-season contests.
San Antonio continued to lean on him defensively, particularly in half-court situations as Duncan remained central to a team still competing at the highest level.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash earned his final All-Star selection at 37 during the 2011–12 season with the Phoenix Suns.
That year, he led the NBA in assists per game while continuing to control tempo and shot quality.
Nash averaged more than 10 assists per night alongside double-digit scoring.
His availability was another positive, as he played over 60 games despite ongoing physical limitations.
Nash’s game aged well because it relied on craft, vision and decision-making rather than explosive play.
John Stockton
John Stockton made his final All-Star appearance at 37 during the 1999–2000 season with the Utah Jazz.
He played all 82 regular-season games and continued to run the offense without interruption.
Stockton averaged over 12 points and eight assists per game in his final All-Star year.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant made his final All-Star appearance at 37 during the 2015–16 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was voted in by fans during his farewell year, finishing as the leading vote-getter across the league.
Bryant averaged just under 18 points per game while appearing in 66 regular-season contests.
The Lakers were not competitive that season, but Bryant remained their primary scoring option.
His All-Star selection reflected fan support rather than team success or on-court role.
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade made his final All-Star appearance at 37 during the 2018–19 season with the Miami Heat.
He was added as a special roster selection by commissioner Adam Silver, alongside Dirk Nowitzki.
Wade averaged 15 points per game while appearing in 72 regular-season contests.
His role had shifted by that stage, with Miami managing his minutes and usage.
The All-Star inclusion was another case of recognising a player’s career rather than his position within the Heat rotation that season.
