Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo were chosen as captains for the All-Star Game after receiving the most votes in their respective conferences, the NBA announced Thursday.
The Association also unveiled the rest of the starters for the midseason event:
Eastern Conference
| POSITION | PLAYER | ALL-STAR APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|
| F | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 7th |
| F | Kevin Durant | 13th |
| F | Jayson Tatum | 4th |
| G | Donovan Mitchell | 4th |
| G | Kyrie Irving | 8th |
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is the only player among the Eastern Conference squad making his first All-Star start.
The Brooklyn Nets are the representatives of the only pair of teammates selected as starters this year with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, though the latter’s availability remains in question as he manages a knee injury.
Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid wasn’t named a starter for the first time since failing to make the All-Star Game during his rookie campaign in 2016-17.
Western Conference
| POSITION | PLAYER | ALL-STAR APPEARANCE |
|---|---|---|
| F | LeBron James | 19th |
| F | Nikola Jokic | 5th |
| F | Zion Williamson | 2nd |
| G | Luka Doncic | 4th |
| G | Stephen Curry | 9th |
With his 19th All-Star Game selection, James ties Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most appearances. He’s just 157 points behind Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was a surprise selection after sitting behind Lakers big man Anthony Davis in the final fan vote tally. Williamson is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and has played only 29 games this season.
Golden State Warriors guard Stepn Curry earned his usual spot in the starting five, and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic regained his spot after being usurped by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant last season.
Starters were chosen based on a combination of fan votes (50%), media votes (25%), and selections by NBA players (25%).
The All-Star reserves, chosen by the league’s head coaches, will be announced Feb. 2.
The All-Star Game will take place Feb. 19 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.
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