The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be another electric showcase of the league’s brightest stars - but not without a few question marks. Chief among them: Luka Dončić.
The Lakers’ star guard has been putting together a stellar campaign, but a recent hamstring injury has cast serious doubt over his availability for the big weekend. And if Dončić can’t go, the league will have a tough decision to make on who steps into his spot on the All-Star roster.
Let’s break it down - not just who could replace Dončić, but why each candidate brings a compelling case to the table.
Lauri Markkanen: The Quiet Force in Utah
Don’t let the Jazz’s up-and-down season fool you - Lauri Markkanen has been nothing short of outstanding. The Finnish forward is averaging 26.7 points per game, ranking him 11th in the league in scoring.
That’s elite company. And he’s doing it with efficiency and poise, even as Utah continues to search for consistency as a team.
At 28, Markkanen is in his prime, and his offensive versatility - the ability to stretch the floor, score inside, and hold his own defensively - makes him a seamless fit for the All-Star stage. He hasn’t been back to the All-Star Game since his 2023 appearance, but this season, he’s earned another look. If Dončić can’t suit up, Markkanen is a natural pick to step in for Team World.
James Harden: New Team, Same Impact
James Harden’s move to the Cleveland Cavaliers raised eyebrows, but he’s quickly reminded everyone why he’s still one of the league’s premier playmakers. Through 47 games, he’s averaging 25 points and 8.2 assists - classic Harden numbers.
He’s shooting 42% from the field, 35% from deep, and a scorching 90.2% from the free-throw line. That’s efficiency you can build around.
Add in 4.9 rebounds per game, 16 double-doubles, and a pair of triple-doubles, and you’ve got a player who’s still doing it all. Harden’s ability to control the pace, create for others, and score in bunches makes him a strong All-Star candidate - even more so now that he's finding his rhythm in Cleveland. If the league is looking for a veteran presence with proven star power, Harden checks every box.
Austin Reaves: The Inside Track
If chemistry matters - and in the All-Star Game, it often does - then Austin Reaves has a unique advantage. Not only is he Dončić’s teammate with the Lakers, but the two have developed a strong on-court synergy that’s helped drive L.A.’s success this season.
Reaves is averaging 25.7 points and 6 assists over 27 games - impressive numbers, especially considering he recently returned from injury. He’s shooting 87.1% from the line and has already posted six double-doubles.
But beyond the stats, Reaves brings energy, toughness, and a two-way presence that fits the All-Star mold. He’s been a steady hand for the Lakers, and if Dončić can’t go, Reaves would be a fitting - and familiar - replacement.
The Bottom Line
The All-Star Game is about celebrating the best the league has to offer, and while Luka Dončić’s status remains uncertain, the NBA isn’t short on worthy replacements. Whether it’s Markkanen’s scoring punch, Harden’s veteran savvy, or Reaves’ rising star power, each brings something unique to the table.
If Dončić is sidelined, the league will have a tough call to make - but it’s a good problem to have when the talent pool runs this deep.