Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has a number of records that seem very unlikely to ever be broken and one of those was his streak of 21 consecutive seasons being named as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game. From his second season in 2005, James has been voted as an All-Star Game starter, stretching through three different decades and three different franchises.
LeBron missing the beginning of the season due to injury undoubtedly played a role in his votes taking a hit this season. It also took him some time to find his rhythm once he did return to the court, while also adjusting to a lesser role next to Luka Doncic along with the leap that Austin Reaves took as a primary creator.
Whatever the reason, James won’t be a starter in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, but when asked what his reaction was to that, the Lakers superstar didn’t have one, as seen on Spectrum SportsNet:
“Nah. None at all.”
While this All-Star starting streak is more evidence of LeBron’s greatness and longevity, the fact that it is ending now just doesn’t mean too much to him. His goals are about championships and getting the Lakers back to the top of the league.
Of course, there is still a chance that James could make the All-Star Game as a reserve, which is voted on by the coaches, and if he is selected he will be very grateful but he also won’t mind if he isn’t:
“I’m always grateful. I’m always grateful, for sure. 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.”
As he said, LeBron would obviously be very thankful if he is selected to the All-Star Game and will gladly be there if that happens. But after 21 straight years of playing, the idea of getting a bit of a break and perhaps taking a little mini-vacation before the home stretch of the season has to be appealing as well.
The Lakers will be represented with Luka Doncic being named a starter and being the leading vote-getter amongst all players, so perhaps he will take over the mantle and James can relax a bit before turning things up in the second half.
Lakers’ LeBron James has utmost respect for Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic
If James is selected to the All-Star Game he will be able to face off with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic once again, a player whom the Lakers superstar has the utmost respect for.
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