The NBA’s All-Star spotlight is heading to Los Angeles, and the league just dropped the full list of reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game, rounding out a star-studded lineup that blends household names with some fresh faces ready to shine on the big stage.
The game, set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome, will feature a unique twist again this year: three eight-man squads - two representing the United States and one made up of international players - squaring off in a round-robin mini-tournament. It’s a format that adds a little extra intrigue and a whole lot of pride to the midseason showcase.
Let’s break down the full roster, starting with the reserves, who were selected by head coaches across the league, regardless of position.
LeBron Extends the Record Books
LeBron James continues to defy the limits of longevity. The Lakers legend earned his 22nd consecutive All-Star nod - extending his own NBA record.
It’s another layer to an already generational résumé, and it speaks volumes about the level he’s still playing at deep into his 40s. His presence in this game isn’t just ceremonial - he’s still producing at a level worthy of the league’s brightest stage.
New Faces Emerge
While LeBron’s selection is a continuation of greatness, the All-Star Game will also spotlight six first-time selections - and it’s a group that’s more than earned its moment.
Jamal Murray, the steady hand of the defending champion Nuggets, finally gets his All-Star due. He’ll join his teammate and perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, forming one of the most dangerous duos in the West.
Deni Avdija has quietly taken a major step forward in Portland, and now the Trail Blazers wing gets recognized on a global stage. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City’s unicorn big man, also earns his first nod in what’s shaping up to be a breakout rookie campaign.
In the East, Jalen Johnson of the Hawks and Jalen Duren of the Pistons both make their All-Star debuts. Johnson’s all-around game has been a bright spot in Atlanta, while Duren’s physical dominance in the paint has given Detroit fans something to rally behind.
Full Reserve Breakdown
Eastern Conference Reserves
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) - 7th selection 🇺🇸
- Norman Powell (Heat) - 1st selection 🇺🇸/🇯🇲
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors) - 2nd selection 🇺🇸
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers) - 4th selection 🇨🇲
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks) - 1st selection 🇺🇸
- Jalen Duren (Pistons) - 1st selection 🇺🇸
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) - 6th selection 🇺🇸/🇩🇴
Powell and Towns bring some international flavor to the East reserves, with Powell eligible for Jamaica and Towns for the Dominican Republic - a detail that could become significant depending on how the final rosters shake out.
Western Conference Reserves
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets) - 1st selection 🇨🇦
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) - 4th selection 🇺🇸
- Devin Booker (Suns) - 5th selection 🇺🇸
- LeBron James (Lakers) - 22nd selection 🇺🇸
- Kevin Durant (Rockets) - 16th selection 🇺🇸
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers) - 1st selection 🇮🇱
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder) - 1st selection 🇺🇸
Veterans like Durant and Booker continue to anchor the West, but it’s the emergence of young stars like Edwards and Holmgren that hints at where the conference is headed in the next few years.
The Starters: Familiar Faces and Global Icons
The starters were announced last week, with selections determined by a combination of fan (50%), player (25%), and media (25%) voting. And if you’re sensing an international theme, you’re not wrong - the global influence on the league has never been stronger.
Eastern Conference Starters
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) - 3rd selection 🇺🇸
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers) - 2nd selection 🇺🇸
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons) - 2nd selection 🇺🇸
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics) - 5th selection 🇺🇸
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) - 10th selection 🇬🇷
Giannis remains the East’s global centerpiece, though a calf strain could force him to sit this one out. That opens the door for someone like Powell or Towns to potentially step into a starting role for the World team.
Western Conference Starters
- Stephen Curry (Warriors) - 12th selection 🇺🇸
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) - 4th selection 🇨🇦
- Luka Doncic (Lakers) - 6th selection 🇸🇮
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) - 8th selection 🇷🇸
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) - 2nd selection 🇫🇷
This group reads like an international dream team. Jokic, Doncic, Wembanyama, and Gilgeous-Alexander are not only among the best players in the league - they’re redefining what the global game looks like at the highest level.
World Team Taking Shape
Between the five international starters - Jokic, Doncic, Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Antetokounmpo - and three reserves (Murray, Avdija, and Siakam), the World team is nearly locked in. That said, if Giannis is ruled out, the NBA could slide in Powell or Towns to round out the international squad.
The league is expected to confirm the final rosters for the three teams on Tuesday.
What to Watch For
The All-Star Game is always a showcase, but this year’s format adds some real competitive juice. With national pride on the line and a rising wave of international talent challenging the U.S. for basketball supremacy, this isn’t just a midseason exhibition - it’s a measuring stick.
From LeBron’s historic 22nd selection to the long-overdue recognition for guys like Murray and Avdija, the 2026 All-Star Game is shaping up to be a celebration of the league’s past, present, and rapidly evolving future.