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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 04, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have two of the most popular players in the NBA in Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Both players have been popular throughout their entire careers. Doncic has instantly become the Lakers’ best player since coming over in a trade last year.
James has been the most popular player in the league since he entered the 2003 NBA Draft. He’s the all-time leading scorer. This season, he’s been playing pretty well since coming back from the sciatica that cost him a month to start the year.
Despite that, James is not getting the All-Star votes that he normally does. James is actually in danger of missing the All-Star game unless the coaches decide to bring him on.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James drives the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers’ Forward LeBron James Sits 9th in All-Star Votes
After the second round of All-Star voting, James sits just ninth in the Western Conference in terms of votes. Only the top five from each conference will make the game as starters, so James is not going to be guaranteed a spot in this year’s game.
The Western Conference is loaded with forwards who are deserving of All-Star recognition this season. It is still unlikely that James is left out of the game, considering this could be his last season. James’ stats are still solid, although they are a drop-off from where they were a year ago.
With the new All-Star Game format, there will be two US teams and one international team. It’s still unclear how the NBA is going to choose the players for those teams, so James very well could be on one of the US teams unless he ends up getting hurt again.
The All-Star Game is a popularity contest, so James is still likely to get an invite to participate. Still, this could be the first time since his rookie season that he doesn’t make the All-Star team. He has still played in just 17 games this season.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James drives the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Lakers Might Want LeBron James to Rest During All-Star Weekend
James remains a critical part of the Lakers’ roster. They are more concerned about him being healthy enough to help them when the playoffs roll around in April. LA also might be thinking about making a trade to help James and the rest of the Lakers with their defense.
Right now, the Lakers have the fifth-worst defense in the NBA. Yet, the Lakers stand third in the Western Conference standings. Adding some help with the perimeter defense is something that the Lakers will certainly look at during next month’s trade deadline.
If James were to miss the All-Star Game, the Lakers likely wouldn’t be too mad. James would be able to rest his back and make sure that he doesn’t re-injure himself. Keeping him, Doncic, and Austin Reaves healthy is the key to the Lakers contending at the end of the year.