LeBron James just added another chapter to his already legendary résumé - and it’s a big one. On Sunday night, it was announced that the Los Angeles Lakers star has been selected to his 22nd NBA All-Star Game, extending his own league record and further cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever lace them up.
That’s 22 straight All-Star nods, every year since his rookie season. But this time, there’s a twist.
For the first time in his career, LeBron’s headed to the midseason showcase as a reserve. It’s a shift that speaks more to the context of this season than any decline in his game.
James missed the first 14 games of the year and didn’t have a traditional training camp to get his legs under him. That slow ramp-up slightly dipped his early-season numbers - at least by his own sky-high standards - and likely played a role in the fan voting. But make no mistake: LeBron has been playing at an All-Star level for weeks now, and the league’s coaches recognized that, giving him the nod as a reserve.
After the announcement, James reflected on the honor with a mix of humility and gratitude. “Obviously super humbling,” he said following the Lakers’ loss to the Knicks on Sunday night.
“Mad respect to the coaches and them seeing that I’m still playing well at this latter stage of my career. To be able to be an All-Star, that means a lot to my family, the people that’s been following my career, my LeBron faithful who have been following my journey.”
It’s a sentiment that hits home. For LeBron, this isn’t just about personal accolades - it’s about the work, the consistency, and the connection he’s built with fans over two decades.
“It’s always rewarding just from a humble standpoint to be able to be rewarded for what you put your work into,” he added. “So it’s pretty cool.”
This year’s All-Star Game is set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, giving LeBron a rare chance to suit up for the league’s marquee exhibition without having to leave the city. He’ll be joined by fellow Lakers star Luka Dončić, who earned a starting spot after leading the fan vote.
But here’s where things get interesting: with the NBA debuting a new format - a three-team USA vs. World showdown - LeBron and Luka won’t be teammates. Instead, they’ll square off against each other, adding a little extra spice to what’s already shaping up to be a must-watch event.
And while this is the first time LeBron won’t be in the All-Star starting lineup, he’s not losing sleep over it. When asked recently if he had any reaction to the end of his starting streak, he shrugged it off: “Nah. None at all.”
That said, he did admit he’d be honored to be voted in as a reserve - and now that it’s official, he’s embracing the moment. “I’m always grateful,” he said.
“If I’m there, I’ll be there in attendance. If I’m not, I know I’ll be able to take full advantage of it.
I know exactly what I’ll be doing. So I’m good either way.”
LeBron has long embraced his role as one of the NBA’s elder statesmen - a face of the league, a mentor, and a standard-bearer for excellence. His presence at this year’s All-Star Game, right in the heart of L.A., is more than symbolic. It’s a testament to his longevity, his impact, and the respect he continues to command from peers and coaches alike.
At 22 All-Star selections and counting, LeBron James isn’t just defying time. He’s redefining what greatness looks like in the modern NBA.