LeBron James extended his record to 21 All-Star selections, becoming the oldest player to achieve this feat when he was named a starter for the midseason showcase. surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 19 selections last season and will join the Western Conference lineup with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (fifth in selections), Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players in fan voting for a second straight season and was joined by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the Eastern Conference starting five.
James averaged 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Lakers, who remain sixth in the Western Conference standings. Durant joined Hall of Fame legends Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal with 15 All-Star selections, trailing only Abdul-Jabbar and Bryant (18).
Jokic, earning his seventh selection, is averaging 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.9 assists for the Nuggets, while Curry returns to the lineup after being a reserve last year. The starting lineups are chosen via a hybrid voting system, with 50% from fan ballots and 25% from media and players.
The lone starting spot in doubt was the second East starter alongside Mitchell in the backcourt, which went to Brunson over Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and Bucks guard Damian Lillard. The seven reserves from each conference will be revealed next Thursday on TNT, with coaches Mark Daignault of the Thunder and Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers set to lead this year’s All-Star Game due to its new format involving three teams and a Rising Stars Challenge winner.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43538824/lebron-top-vote-getter-giannis-lead-nba-all-star-starters