Los Angeles Lakers’ iconic player, LeBron James, has etched his name in the NBA history books by earning his 20th NBA All-Star Game selection, making him the player with the most appearances in the prestigious event. The announcement came on Thursday as the NBA revealed the starters for the 73rd All-Star contest scheduled for February 18 in Indianapolis.
James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), has maintained an extraordinary streak of being named an All-Star starter for 20 consecutive years, a run that commenced in 2005 during his second NBA season. The 39-year-old basketball legend surpassed the previous record he shared with Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
As the leading scorer from the Western Conference, LeBron James will serve as the captain for the All-Star Game. Joining him in the starting lineup are Phoenix’s Kevin Durant and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic from the defending champion Denver Nuggets. The West guards include Slovenian sensation Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On the Eastern Conference side, Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks was named captain. The frontcourt starters for the East include reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.
Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, leading the NBA in assists, and Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks, making his eighth All-Star appearance after a trade from Portland, secure the guard positions for the East.
The All-Star Game format reverts to East versus West after several years of a captain’s draft. Fan votes, accounting for 50%, along with a media panel and NBA players each contributing 25%, determined the starters. Reserves will be announced next Thursday, with NBA coaches selecting the players.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will have the responsibility of choosing replacements for any players unable to participate in the All-Star Game, selecting substitutes from the same conference.
