LeBron James' All-Star Selection Streak at Risk as NBA Announces Reserves

The Lakers star's record 21-game All-Star selection streak is in jeopardy as coaches choose reserves for the new tournament-style event.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:23pm

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LeBron James' record streak of 21 consecutive NBA All-Star Game selections is on the line as the league prepares to announce the 14 reserve players for the Feb. 15 midseason showcase. James was not chosen as a starter this season, and NBA head coaches will now determine if the Lakers superstar extends his remarkable All-Star run.

Why it matters

James is the All-Star record holder in several key categories, including most selections (21) and most points scored (434). His potential absence from this year's game would mark the first time since 2005 that he has not participated in the NBA's marquee midseason event.

The details

The NBA will reveal the 14 reserve players selected by the league's head coaches on Sunday evening. James did not play in last season's All-Star Game due to injury. This year's event features a new tournament format with three teams of at least eight players competing in a round-robin format, with the top two teams meeting in a championship game.

  • The NBA will announce the All-Star reserves on Sunday, February 5, 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 21-time NBA All-Star and the league's all-time leader in All-Star selections and points scored in the midseason showcase.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks star who was selected as a starter for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons guard who was also chosen as an All-Star starter.

J.B. Bickerstaff

Detroit Pistons head coach who will coach one of the three All-Star teams.

Mitch Johnson

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach who may coach another All-Star team, depending on Sunday's results.

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What’s next

The NBA will announce the 14 All-Star reserves on Sunday, February 5, 2026. If James is not selected, it will mark the first time since 2005 that he has not participated in the NBA All-Star Game.

The takeaway

LeBron James' remarkable 21-game All-Star selection streak is in jeopardy, as the Lakers star was not chosen as a starter for this year's new tournament-style event. James' potential absence from the 2026 NBA All-Star Game would be a significant milestone, as he has been a fixture at the league's midseason showcase for over two decades.