LeBron James has been the Western Conference captain and a starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game for the 20th time, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. West’s top vote-getter and second overall was LeBron, behind Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Nuggets great Nikola Jokic and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant will join James in the Western Conference frontcourt. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Shai Gilgious-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a first-career starter, comprise the West’s backcourt.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum join Antetokounmpo in the East’s frontcourt. Antetokounmpo’s Bucks teammate Damian Lillard and Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton are also first-time starters.
James has had another great season, pushing the limits of an NBA player his age. LeBron is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 52% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range, his second-highest figure. James has played in 40 of the Lakers’ 45 games this season, generally healthy.
LeBron has excelled this season. He led the Lakers to the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Championship and was named MVP after scoring 40 points on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the West’s top teams. He also had back-to-back 30-point nights.
Anthony Davis, James’ Lakers colleague, almost missed becoming a starter. He was always fourth in frontcourt fan polling. Davis will likely be an All-Star reserve after falling short of Jokic and Durant.
The All-Star Game will be East vs. West this year without the top two vote-getters picking their teams. Indianapolis will host the game on Feb. 18.
LeBron James selected 2024 USA Basketball Mens National Team finalist.
LeBron was designated a finalist for the USA Basketball Mens National Team that will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
James and Lakers teammates Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves were among 41 players honored. LeBron has expressed his desire to attend one more Olympics, and it seems to be happening.