The NBA announced its 2026 All-Star Game starters on Monday, marking the end of an era as LeBron James, 41, failed to secure a starting spot for the first time since 2004. The Los Angeles Lakers forward, who has averaged 22.6 points per game this season—his lowest since his 2003-04 rookie year—previously held the league's longest active starter streak.
Western Conference starters include Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Victor Wembanyama. Dončić led fan voting with 3.4 million ballots, while Giannis Antetokounmpo topped the East with 3.2 million votes for his 10th consecutive selection. James remains eligible as a reserve, with final rosters to be revealed on February 1.
This year's All-Star Game, set for February 15 at Inglewood's Intuit Dome, highlights shifting generational tides in the NBA. James' streak outlasted multiple rule changes and eras, but his recent performance dip—including an eight-point game against Toronto earlier this season—signals new opportunities for rising stars.
Analysts note the 2026 lineup reflects Asia's growing basketball influence, with the event expected to draw significant viewership across Asian markets where NBA fandom has surged in recent years.
