Lakers superstar LeBron James will be making an unprecedented 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star Game appearance after being selected Sunday as a Western Conference reserve by the league’s coaches.
He joins teammate and leading vote getter guard Luka Doncic, who was named a starter last week.
His streak, which spans three decades, appeared in jeopardy after he was not named a starter for the first time in his career. But the coaches couldn’t ignore James’ historic play this season.
The 41-year-old forward is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals over 33.1 minutes. Since celebrating his birthday on Dec. 30, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer has elevated his output, posting averages of 23.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.7 steals in the past 16 games.
James is the All-Star record holder in appearances and 434 points scored in those contests. He was not chosen as a starter this season in the fan, media, and player voting, but he was not bothered by the outcome.
He said last week that he remains grateful and was “good either way” when he learned he was not initially picked.
For some, six-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard looked to be a clear choice to be among the reserves, but the coaches did not include him, leaving the Clippers without a representative at the midseason game that will be played Feb. 15 at their home court, Intuit Dome.
Leonard is seventh in NBA scoring with 27.7 points a game and has turned around a Clippers season that all but looked lost six weeks ago.
Commissioner Adam Silver will select additional players, if necessary, for the All-Star rosters, should someone need to be replaced because of injury.
Western Conference reserves
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
Eastern Conference reserves
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Norman Powell, Miami Heat
Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons