LeBron Wins MVP in Potential Final All-Star Game

The 38-year-old superstar leads Stripes team to victory in new tournament format

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In what could be his last NBA All-Star Game appearance, LeBron James captured the MVP award after leading his Stripes team to victory in the new round-robin tournament format. The 38-year-old Lakers legend put on a vintage performance, showcasing his all-around skills and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in league history.

Why it matters

LeBron's potential farewell to the All-Star Game marks the end of an era, as the NBA transitions to a new generation of superstars like Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Cade Cunningham. This year's event also featured a format change, with a shorter round-robin tournament replacing the traditional single game, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.

The details

In the new tournament format, LeBron's Stripes team emerged victorious, with the 18-time All-Star leading the way with a stat-stuffing performance. He finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing his unparalleled all-around skills and basketball IQ. The win and MVP award serve as a fitting sendoff for the ageless wonder, who has dominated the league for nearly two decades.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place on February 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
  • This was potentially LeBron James' final All-Star Game appearance, as the 38-year-old superstar contemplates retirement.

The players

LeBron James

An 18-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion, LeBron James is widely considered one of the greatest players in league history. At 38 years old, this could potentially be his final All-Star Game appearance as he contemplates retirement.

Victor Wembanyama

The 7'4" French phenom is the odds-on favorite to be the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and is widely regarded as a generational talent, drawing comparisons to legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dirk Nowitzki.

Luka Doncic

The 24-year-old Slovenian superstar is a three-time All-NBA First Team selection and is considered one of the league's premier all-around players, capable of filling up the stat sheet on any given night.

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What they’re saying

“This one means a lot. To be able to potentially cap off my All-Star career with another MVP, in front of all these amazing fans, it's truly special.”

— LeBron James (draftkings.com)

“LeBron is just different, man. Even at 38, he's still putting on a show and proving why he's one of the all-time greats. I'm just honored to share the court with him one more time.”

— Luka Doncic (draftkings.com)

What’s next

LeBron James will now turn his attention to the second half of the NBA season, as the Lakers look to make a push for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the league's younger stars like Wembanyama and Doncic will continue to ascend, setting the stage for the next generation of NBA superstars.

The takeaway

LeBron James' MVP performance in potentially his final All-Star Game serves as a fitting coda to his illustrious career, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood. As the NBA transitions to a new era, James' enduring excellence and impact on the game will continue to inspire the next generation of basketball legends.