LeBron James will not start the NBA All-Star Game for the first time since 2005, ending one of the longest-running individual streaks in league history.
The NBA confirmed its 2026 All-Star starters on Monday night, and James’ name was absent from the Western Conference lineup. It marks the first time in 21 years that the Los Angeles Lakers star has not been voted into the starting five.
James, now 41, first became an All-Star starter in 2005 and held that spot every season thereafter. While his overall All-Star selection streak remains intact, the starting run has finally come to an end.
Why James missed out
Injuries played a significant role this season.
James missed the first 14 games of the Lakers’ 2025–26 campaign while dealing with sciatica, limiting both his availability and his early-season impact. That absence weighed heavily when voting opened.
Under the NBA’s weighted system, which splits votes between fans (50%), players (25%) and media (25%), James ranked eighth in both the fan and player categories.
He placed ninth among the media, leaving him outside the top group required to secure a starting role. Western Conference competition also proved unforgiving.
James’ Lakers teammate Luka Dončić earned a starting place, alongside Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama.
What happens next
Despite missing out on a starting spot, James has not been ruled out of the All-Star Game.
He remains eligible to be selected as a reserve, with those places decided by NBA head coaches. The league is set to announce the reserve list on February 1.
James could also be added later as an injury replacement if required, with Commissioner Adam Silver responsible for those decisions.
In December, James’ record streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games scoring at least 10 points came to an end. He has already missed 17 games this season, which could affect eligibility for certain postseason honours.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Whether James appears as a reserve or not, the absence of his name from the starting lineup marks a clear turning point.
