With the Western Conference All-Star starters locked in, attention now shifts to the reserves - the players who’ve been grinding night in and night out, often without the spotlight, but whose production and impact are impossible to ignore. Coaches will cast their votes, and the official list will drop on Sunday, Feb.
- Until then, here’s a closer look at the seven players who’ve earned their spot in the Feb.
15 All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
First, a quick refresher on the starters:
The West's starting five is a global showcase - a testament to how international the league has become. Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic headline the group. Jokic, now healthy, anchors the frontcourt alongside Wembanyama, while the backcourt is a triple-threat of scoring, playmaking, and flair.
But the real intrigue lies in the reserves. Let’s break down who deserves the nod - and why.
Kawhi Leonard | Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
27.9 PPG | 2.1 SPG | 49.8 FG% | 94 FT%
Kawhi Leonard has quietly - and efficiently - put together one of the best two-way seasons in the league. He’s seventh in scoring and leads the NBA in steals, but that’s just the beginning.
He’s hitting nearly 50% from the field, almost 40% from three, and a league-best 94% from the free throw line. From midrange to beyond the arc, Leonard is surgical.
And his resurgence has mirrored the Clippers’ rise - a month ago, they looked like they were spiraling. Now?
They're a problem. Kawhi’s consistency on both ends of the floor has been the steadying force.
Anthony Edwards | Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
29.3 PPG | 58.1 eFG% | 41.3 3P%
Anthony Edwards keeps leveling up. Last year, he added volume from deep.
This year, he’s added efficiency - and then some. He’s knocking down over 41% of his threes and finishing at the rim with authority, shooting 55.4% on two-pointers.
That’s elite territory for a guard. Add in his defensive chops and ability to draw contact, and Edwards is checking every All-Star box.
He’s not just Minnesota’s engine - he’s a legitimate MVP candidate.
Kevin Durant | Forward, Houston Rockets
26.5 PPG | 40.8 3P% | 18th NBA Season
At 37 years old and in his 18th season, Kevin Durant is still doing Kevin Durant things. The Rockets took a big swing trading for him, and it’s paying off.
He’s top-12 in minutes played, still giving you 26 a night, and spacing the floor with that smooth 40.8% stroke from deep. That shooting has been key in unlocking the Rockets' offense, giving young bigs like Alperen Sengun room to work inside.
Durant’s ability to adapt and thrive - even as the league evolves - is a masterclass in longevity.
Jamal Murray | Guard, Denver Nuggets
25.9 PPG | 7.3 APG | 44.2 3P%
Jamal Murray has always been a playoff killer, but this season, he’s brought that same fire to the regular season. He’s averaging a career-high in assists and draining over 44% of his threes, hitting 3.3 per game.
When Jokic went down earlier this season, Murray didn’t just hold the line - he elevated. The Nuggets went 10-6 without their MVP big man, and Murray was the catalyst.
It’s time he gets his first All-Star nod.
Deni Avdija | Forward, Portland Trail Blazers
25.8 PPG | 6.8 APG | 9.7 FTA
Deni Avdija has gone from a promising young piece to a full-blown offensive hub in Portland. His jump from 16.9 to 25.8 points per game is impressive, but the leap in playmaking - nearly doubling his assists - is just as important.
The Trail Blazers are running their offense through him, and he’s responding by living at the free throw line (9.7 attempts per game). He’s become the kind of versatile forward every modern offense craves.
Chet Holmgren | Center, Oklahoma City Thunder
17.8 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 2.0 BPG | 37.7 3P%
Chet Holmgren is doing things rookies just don’t do - especially on the defensive end. He’s the anchor of the league’s best defense, swatting away shots and cleaning the glass, but what really sets him apart is his shooting.
At nearly 38% from deep, Holmgren stretches the floor in a way that makes him a nightmare to guard. He’s not just a rim protector - he’s a matchup problem on both ends.
LeBron James | Forward, Los Angeles Lakers
22.0 PPG | 6.7 APG
Yes, LeBron James has missed some time. Yes, his scoring is down.
And yes, his transition defense has shown signs of wear. But here’s the thing: the Lakers are fifth in the West, and they’ve been clutch in close games - a lot of that has to do with James’ late-game execution.
At 39, he’s still averaging 22 and nearly seven assists, and his presence alone changes the geometry of the court. He may not be the LeBron of old, but he’s still LeBron - and that’s enough to earn him one more All-Star appearance.
Final Thoughts
There’s never enough room for everyone. Lauri Markkanen, James Harden, Devin Booker, Alperen Sengun - all worthy in their own right.
But these seven have not only put up numbers, they’ve shaped the narrative of the Western Conference this season. From veterans defying age to young stars stepping into the spotlight, this group reflects the full spectrum of what makes the NBA so compelling.
Come Feb. 15, the lights will be bright in L.A. And thanks to this mix of starters and reserves, the West is bringing a lineup that’s as deep and dynamic as we’ve seen in years.