LeBron James, Lakers
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Lakers forward LeBron James rallies during introductions before a game with the Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James added another milestone to his unmatched résumé Sunday, becoming the first player in NBA history to earn 22 consecutive All-Star selections, a streak that now spans three decades.
James, 41, was named a Western Conference reserve for this year’s NBA All-Star Game, ending a record run of 21 straight seasons as a starter. Still, the selection further cements his longevity and sustained excellence, placing him in a category the league has never seen.
Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar previously earned multiple All-Star selections after turning 40. James has now surpassed Abdul-Jabbar with three All-Star nods beyond that age.
Lakers’ LeBron James Defies Age After Early-Season Injury Scare
James’ All-Star streak appeared in jeopardy early in the season after he missed the opening 14 games due to sciatic nerve irritation. When he returned, the Lakers brought him along cautiously, and his production dipped briefly as he worked back into rhythm.
Since then, James has again turned back the clock.
Through 30 games this season — all starts — James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 33.1 minutes per game entering Sunday’s nationally televised matchup against the New York Knicks.
His impact has only grown since his 41st birthday on Dec. 30.
LeBron James Elevates Play at 41, Leads Lakers in Clutch Moments
Since turning 41, James has elevated his production to 23.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.7 steals over 16 games, flirting with triple-double averages while anchoring the Lakers late in games.
He has scored 20 or more points in 19 contests this season, including four 30-point performances. James has also recorded six double-doubles and led Los Angeles in scoring on five occasions.
In January alone, James totaled 109 fourth-quarter points, tied for the most in the NBA, helping guide the Lakers to a league-best 14–2 record in clutch games — a testament to his continued dominance in high-leverage moments.
All-Star Game Resume Stands Alone in NBA History
A three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, James owns career All-Star averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals across 20 appearances. He has served as an All-Star team captain eight times and remains the event’s all-time leader in points (434), field goals made (182) and minutes played (537).
Even as a reserve this season, James remains the most decorated All-Star performer in league history.
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Joining James as Western Conference reserves were Kevin Durant, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, Deni Avdija, Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker.
In the Eastern Conference, Karl-Anthony Towns earned his sixth All-Star selection, alongside Donovan Mitchell, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes and first-time selections Jalen Duren, Norman Powell and Jalen Johnson.
Under the NBA’s newly implemented U.S. vs. The World format, the 24 All-Stars will be divided into three eight-player teams — two composed of American players and one featuring international stars. Each team will play two games, with the top two advancing to the championship based on record or point differential.
All-Star Game Heads to Los Angeles as Replacement Watch Begins
The All-Star Game will be held at the Los Angeles Clippers’ arena in Inglewood, California. Notably, the Clippers were shut out of Sunday’s selections despite going 16–4 over their last 20 games.
With Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to miss the event due to a calf injury, commissioner Adam Silver is expected to name a replacement. Kawhi Leonard and Alperen Sengun are viewed as strong candidates as an All-Star replacement should a roster spot open, according to ESPN.
For James, however, the honor needs no asterisk. At 41, in his 21st NBA season, the Lakers’ cornerstone continues to redefine what longevity — and greatness — look like in professional basketball.