In a significant shift for the NBA's annual showcase, LeBron James has not been selected as an All-Star starter for the first time in 22 years. The announcement of the starters for the 2025 game, to be held at the Los Angeles Clippers' arena in Inglewood, California, marks the end of one of the most remarkable individual streaks in league history.
A New Format and a Notable Absence
The league revealed ten starters on Monday, chosen through a weighted vote from fans (50%), a media panel (25%), and fellow players (25%). This year introduces a groundbreaking World versus USA team format, with the selected stars likely to be divided accordingly. The presumed World team starters are a formidable group: Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver's Nikola Jokić, the Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Dončić, and San Antonio's rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
On the American side, the starters are expected to be Golden State's Stephen Curry, New York's Jalen Brunson, Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey, and Boston's Jaylen Brown. The teams will compete in a three-team, round-robin mini-tournament on 15 February, featuring 12-minute games, with the top two advancing to a final championship game of the same length.
What's Next for LeBron James?
While not a starter, James's All-Star fate is not yet sealed. His record streak of 20 consecutive game appearances was broken last season due to injury, but his streak of selections could continue. He remains eligible to be named as one of 14 reserves, chosen by a poll of NBA head coaches. Furthermore, Commissioner Adam Silver could select him as an injury replacement if needed.
James, now in his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, was also not an All-Star in his rookie year. His legendary consistency has faced challenges this season; his record run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games scoring in double figures ended in December, and he has already missed 17 games. This absence rate could impact his eligibility for postseason awards like All-NBA honours, for which he has been selected 21 times in his 22 prior seasons.
A Dream Realised for New Stars
For other players, the announcement was a moment of triumph. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder expressed the enduring magic of the honour. "It's still as special as the first one was, honestly," he said. "I grew up watching All-Star games as a kid, dreaming about playing in them. To be able to play in them will always have that same feeling... it's a blessing and an honour."
The shift to a World vs. USA format, long discussed within basketball circles, is the league's latest attempt to reinvigorate the midseason event. The concept, finalised by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association this season, promises a fresh competitive angle for the celebrated exhibition.
