Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes LeBron James will extend his historic All-Star run, even after missing out on a starting spot for the first time in over two decades.
The NBA announced its 2026 All-Star starters this past week. James was notably absent. It marked the first time in 22 seasons that he did not open the game as a starter, ending a streak that spanned multiple teams, conferences, and formats.
Why LeBron Missed the Cut as a Starter
The decision did not come out of nowhere. James missed the first 14 games of the season while dealing with sciatica. When he returned, he needed time to regain rhythm and conditioning.
Redick acknowledged those factors when asked about the results.
"Obviously knew there was a possibility. I have not paid attention to all the voting returns, I do know in that first one I think he was sixth in the West," Redick said via Spectrum SportsNet. "Given the missed games early, wasn't surprised. I believe he'll be in the All-Star Game."
Despite the missed time, James has played at an elite level. He is averaging 22.3 points, six rebounds, and nearly seven assists per game at age 41. That production keeps him firmly in the All-Star conversation.
The Western Conference presents a brutal numbers game. Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Alperen Sengun, and Devin Booker all remain strong reserve candidates.
Redick emphasized that reality while expressing confidence in James' case. The league simply has more deserving players than available spots. Even so, James' impact remains undeniable for a Lakers team that sits 5th in the Western Conference despite James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and De’Andre Ayton all missing time.
Redick on Coaching LeBron at 41
Redick has seen that impact up close. Coaching James this season has reinforced his belief in the star's value.
"I've enjoyed coaching him at the highest level, 10 out of 10," Redick said. "I know with this guy, he's going to put everything into this. And it's been awesome to coach."
Those comments land amid increased scrutiny around the Lakers' internal dynamics. ESPN's Baxter Holmes recently reported that Jeanie Buss had privately voiced frustration in past years over James' influence within the organization. Redick addressed that narrative head-on.
"Everybody in this organization appreciates LeBron and appreciates what he's done for the Lakers," Redick said, according to NBA insider Dave McMenamin. "He's carried on the legacy and also, truthfully, the burden of being a superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers for eight years and he's done it with class."
Similar to his response after being left off as a Western Conference All-Star starter, James nonchalantly dismissed the manner making it clear that none of this seems to bother him.
Understandable given that he is still actively in a heated battle with Father Time while in pursuit of a fifth ring. But, with his pending free agency coming up and rumors of him potentially leaving to team up with Stephen Curry in Golden State, it seems coach Redick is doing his best to diffuse any ill-will in hopes of making the most of this season.
Nonetheless, it is highly likely that regardless of how the new Team USA vs. Team World concept shapes out that James will likely be an All-Star, just in a way we have never seen him before.
Newsweek