For the first time in 22 years, NBA superstar LeBron James has been snubbed as a starter for the All-Star Game. The shocking news comes after the league announced its 10 starters for next month's game at the Los Angeles Clippers' home arena. Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokić in Denver, Luka Dončić with the Lakers, and Victor Wembanyama from San Antonio were among those selected to join forces on a World team that will take on two US teams in a new format for the midseason showcase.
While James's record streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances has ended, he still stands a chance to be named an All-Star reserve or receive an injury replacement invite, both of which will be determined by NBA head coaches. The selection process sees James join the likes of Stephen Curry from Golden State, Jalen Brunson of New York, Cade Cunningham in Detroit, Tyrese Maxey from Philadelphia, and Jaylen Brown from Boston - all of whom are expected to join the US teams that will compete against the World team.
The absence of James is a surprise given his storied history with the NBA All-Star Game. The 23-year-old superstar has been an All-NBA selection in 21 of his first 22 seasons, including last season when he was named second-teamer. His impressive record speaks to his dedication and hard work on the court, but it also leaves fans wondering what might have been if James had been able to participate.
"I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the impact that All-Star appearances can have. "To be able to play in them will always have that same feeling... for me to be able do so, it's a blessing and an honor."
The US v World format has been a long-awaited plan, with the NBA and National Basketball Players Association unveiling it earlier this season after years of discussion. The new format sees three teams compete against each other in 12-minute mini-games, with the top two teams advancing to a championship game.
While James's absence from the starting lineup may come as a disappointment to some fans, there's still hope that he'll be able to participate in the All-Star Game in some capacity. With 14 spots available for reserves and the possibility of an injury replacement invite, James has one last chance to make his mark on the midseason showcase.
While James's record streak of 20 consecutive All-Star appearances has ended, he still stands a chance to be named an All-Star reserve or receive an injury replacement invite, both of which will be determined by NBA head coaches. The selection process sees James join the likes of Stephen Curry from Golden State, Jalen Brunson of New York, Cade Cunningham in Detroit, Tyrese Maxey from Philadelphia, and Jaylen Brown from Boston - all of whom are expected to join the US teams that will compete against the World team.
The absence of James is a surprise given his storied history with the NBA All-Star Game. The 23-year-old superstar has been an All-NBA selection in 21 of his first 22 seasons, including last season when he was named second-teamer. His impressive record speaks to his dedication and hard work on the court, but it also leaves fans wondering what might have been if James had been able to participate.
"I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the impact that All-Star appearances can have. "To be able to play in them will always have that same feeling... for me to be able do so, it's a blessing and an honor."
The US v World format has been a long-awaited plan, with the NBA and National Basketball Players Association unveiling it earlier this season after years of discussion. The new format sees three teams compete against each other in 12-minute mini-games, with the top two teams advancing to a championship game.
While James's absence from the starting lineup may come as a disappointment to some fans, there's still hope that he'll be able to participate in the All-Star Game in some capacity. With 14 spots available for reserves and the possibility of an injury replacement invite, James has one last chance to make his mark on the midseason showcase.
I mean, I know he's been doing great lately, but 22 years without an All-Star spot? That's like, forever! 
I remember watching him play in the early 2000s with the Cavs and being obsessed with his game. I thought for sure he was gonna be a lock every year after that. Guess not this time... 
Maybe he'll get picked for reserves or something? Fingers crossed! 
lebron james is gonna miss being a starter for all star game after 22 yrs lol what can u do right? 
and i'm excited for this new us v world format - mini games are always fun 
even if he's not a starter anymore, he'll probs get some love as a reserve or whatever, but it's just weird that they didn't make him a starter. seems like they're just trying to mix things up or something? 
I cant beleive lebron got snubbed 
he's been doing it for so long now 22 years 
and this is just the 1st time 
. i think he'll still get in somehow tho, he always does 
. its all about the reserves or injury replacement spot 
! 22 years of being an All-Star, you'd think he'd get in somehow 
. The US v World format is lit tho 
, can't wait to see Giannis and Luka go up against each other 
Stats are saying 32% of the NBA's scoring comes from LeBron alone 
. We need to see if he'll get some more love as a reserve or not 
. According to @BBallIndex, LeBron has been an All-Star in 21/22 seasons... but only got second team last season 
. What would've happened if he was in it? Would the game have even been the same without him? 
but like they say there's always room for the reserves or an injury replacement so fingers crossed for king james 
gotta say tho, shai gilgeous alexander seems kinda cool about it 
. I mean, he's been an All-NBA selection like 21 times already, that's impressive 
. He's been killing it on the court and still putting in all that work. Maybe he didn't have the best game last season, but you never know what can happen in a single game. I feel bad for him, to be honest 
. And can't wait to see the new US v World format - it's gonna be lit 