NBA All-Star Game 2026: Reserves Revealed, LeBron James: “It Wasn’t a Goal”
At 41 years old, LeBron James continues to redefine the limits of NBA longevity: a 22nd straight All-Star selection, a record that looks untouchable
For the 22nd consecutive year, LeBron James’ name appears on the list for the NBA All-Star Game. A streak that keeps growing and still feels almost unreal, especially given the context: 41 years old, a season that started late, and a league that keeps getting faster.
The NBA announced the reserves for the February 15 showcase at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood just minutes before the Lakers–Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. The selections were made by the league’s head coaches – a detail that makes the recognition even more meaningful.
LeBron James, 22-time All-Star: an all-time record
James was the last name announced (after being left out of the starters), almost underscoring the historical weight of the news. No player in NBA history has ever reached 22 consecutive All-Star selections, or even 22 total.
Knowing it was the coaches who voted for me means a lot. It shows they still see the way I play, even at this stage of my career.
LeBron James
James also made it clear that the All-Star streak was never a personal goal.
It wasn’t a goal of mine at the start of the season. I missed the first 14 games, training camp, the preseason. I just wanted to get back to playing at the level I knew I could reach.
LeBron James
That context matters, especially since LeBron did not participate in last year’s All-Star Game due to injury, making this selection anything but guaranteed.
JJ Redick: “Unprecedented longevity”
The first to highlight the magnitude of the achievement was JJ Redick, head coach of the Lakers.
Usually a superstar’s prime lines up with their All-Star and All-NBA years. He’s been in his prime for over 20 years. That’s not just rare – it’s something we’ve never seen.
LeBron James
A statement that captures the LeBron anomaly better than any stat line.
Doncic and peer respect
Against the Knicks, James shared the floor with three other All-Stars: Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Doncic summed up the locker-room sentiment.
It’s incredible. At that age he’s still playing at such a high level. Sharing the court with him is special.
LeBron James
NBA All-Star 2026 reserves: Durant leads the group
In the Western Conference reserves, Kevin Durant headlines the list with his 16th All-Star selection – the fourth-most all time, behind only Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.
Joining James and Durant are:
- Jamal Murray (first selection)
- Chet Holmgren (first selection)
- Deni Avdija (first selection)
- Anthony Edwards (fourth)
- Devin Booker (fifth)
On Murray, Denver coach David Adelman was particularly clear:
NBA title, multiple 50-point games, dominant playoff runs. There was just one thing missing from his résumé.
David Adelman
Eastern Conference: Towns, Mitchell, and new faces
In the East, Karl-Anthony Towns earns his sixth All-Star call, alongside:
- Donovan Mitchell (seventh)
- Pascal Siakam (fourth)
- Scottie Barnes (second)
- Jalen Duren, Norman Powell, and Jalen Johnson, all first-time All-Stars
On Powell, Erik Spoelstra highlighted a notable trend:
He’s having his best years after turning 30. That’s one of the greatest compliments you can give a player.
Erik Spoelstra
No Clippers selected
Despite going 16-4 over their last 20 games, the LA Clippers surprisingly have no All-Star selections – ironically in the same year the event is hosted in their arena.
New All-Star format: USA vs. World
The NBA continues to experiment with the All-Star format: USA vs. World, featuring three teams of eight players – two American squads and one international. A mini-tournament with 12-minute games, culminating in a final between the top two teams.
A potential replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined with a calf issue, will be selected by Adam Silver. The leading candidates: Kawhi Leonard or Alperen Sengun.