For nearly two decades, LeBron James being named an All‑Star felt automatic. This year, it was anything but. After missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica and sitting out nearly a month, James wasn’t focused on extending his streak — he simply wanted to get healthy enough to play meaningful basketball again.
“I really didn’t think about it, to be honest,” James said Sunday after Western Conference coaches selected him as a reserve for his NBA‑record 22nd consecutive All‑Star appearance.
A Slow Start, Then a Surge
James, now 41, didn’t debut until the Lakers’ 15th game. The long layoff followed an offseason spent preparing for his 23rd NBA season — a milestone no player had ever reached. But once he returned, he steadily regained form, highlighted by a 22‑point performance in the Lakers’ narrow 112–110 loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Since his birthday on Dec. 30, James has surged, joining Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players in league history with multiple All‑Star selections after turning 40.
Debate Surrounds His Selection
James’ selection sparked more debate than usual. His All‑Star streak began in 2005, and for most of those years, his inclusion was unquestioned. This time, some argued that players such as Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, or Houston’s Alperen Sengun were more deserving.
Teammate Luka Doncic, voted in as a starter, dismissed any doubt.
“Of course he deserves it,” Doncic said. “He’s playing at a top level still at that age. It’s incredible to share the floor with him.”
Adding to an Already Historic All‑Star Resume
James missed last year’s All‑Star Game due to injury, but he remains the event’s all‑time leader in points and minutes played. He’ll have the chance to extend both records on Feb. 15 when the game tips off at the home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
At 41, in his 23rd season, and after an injury‑delayed start, LeBron James is still rewriting the record books — and still an All‑Star.
