LeBron James of the Lakers achieves a milestone by securing his 20th All-Star selection.
LeBron James achieved a groundbreaking milestone on Thursday night, becoming the inaugural player to secure 20 All-Star team selections. He earned his spot on the Western Conference team as one of the 10 starters unveiled for the upcoming All-Star Game in Indianapolis. Surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for the most All-Star appearances, James expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support throughout his remarkable 21-year career. Joining him in the West’s starting lineup are Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the voting and was joined by Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard. Haliburton, representing the host Pacers, earned his first All-Star selection and expressed immense appreciation for the honor.
James, in his 21st NBA season, continues to defy expectations, maintaining impressive statistics for the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers coach Darvin Ham commended James for his consistency and durability throughout his illustrious career.
The All-Star selections saw little drama in the voting process, with clear frontrunners emerging in both conferences. Notable surprises included the tight race between Trae Young and Damian Lillard for the second guard spot in the East, and the closely contested guard spots in the West ultimately claimed by Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander.
While the starters were determined, the coaching staff for both teams remains uncertain, pending the standings on Feb. 4. Last year’s coaches are ineligible for selection, and several teams in both conferences are closely competing for positions.
The 2024 All-Star Game will return to the traditional East versus West format, departing from the captains’ structure. Reserve selections, voted on by the NBA’s head coaches, will be announced on TNT on Feb. 1.
