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LeBron James is extending his All-Star records as the NBA revealed the starters for the revamped All-Star Game on Thursday night. The four-time NBA champion and 19-time All-Star selection is now officially an All-Star for the 21st year, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was selected 19 times. James is also set to start for the 21st consecutive year, the second-longest streak of All-Star starts in history, behind only Bob Cousy, who started 13 All-Star Games.
The starters were chosen through a weighted balloting system, with 50% from fan voting, 25% from a media panel, and 25% from current players. The remaining 14 All-Stars will be selected through a vote by the league’s head coaches, with the list to be revealed on January 30.
A new format for the All-Star Game this season features three games, with 24 All-Stars drafted into three teams of eight players each by TNT personalities and former NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. The teams will be entered into a four-team tournament, with the remaining squad made up of NBA rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event on All-Star Friday.
LeBron James’ 21st All-Star selection puts him in elite company, as only two other players have appeared in the All-Star Game after turning 40: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dirk Nowitzki. James has two more All-Star selections than anyone else in NBA history and is three years clear of anyone else for the longest streak of consecutive selections.
