LeBron James’ All-Star status is no longer automatic, and NBA legends are beginning to acknowledge that shift publicly.
NBA veteran Charles Barkley recently shared candid assessments as James was left out of the Western Conference All-Star starting lineup for the first time in more than two decades.
Charles Barkley Shares His Take on LeBron James’s All-Star Selection
During the latest episode of ESPN’s NBA Tip-Off, Hall of Famer Barkley addressed whether James should be selected as an All-Star this season.
“It’s borderline,” Barkley said. “The one guy I’m going to war for is Dillon Brooks. I think Dillon Brooks deserves to be an All Star.”
The NBA released its official list of 2026 All-Star starters, a list that did not include James. The decision marked a historic shift for the four-time MVP, who had started every All-Star Game since his first selection in 2005.
Barkley was not alone in questioning James’ All-Star standing. Earlier, Shaquille O’Neal explained why he did not vote for James to make the All-Star team.
“He is one of the few players thats only been slowed down by age,” O’Neal said. “I don’t want to see the king coming off the bench. I’ll spare the King. Is he playing like an All Star? A little bit but i dont want to see the king coming off the bench.”
James, now 41 years old, has been the face of the NBA for the better part of the last two decades. He is the league’s all-time leading scorer and has held an unprecedented run of consecutive All-Star starts dating back 21 years.
The NBA officially announced the 2026 Western Conference All-Star starters on Monday, Jan. 19. James was not among them, having missed the first 14 games of the Lakers’ season due to sciatica.
All-Star starters are determined by a weighted voting system that combines 50% fan voting, 25% player voting, and 25% media voting. According to the final results, James finished eighth in both fan and player voting and ninth among the media, placing him outside the range required to secure a starting spot.
James Can Suit Up for All-Star Games 2026
While James did not earn a starting role, his omission does not remove him from All-Star consideration entirely. Reserve players will be selected by NBA head coaches, with each conference naming seven reserves.
Those selections must include two backcourt players, three frontcourt players, and two wild-card players, regardless of position.
James addressed the uncertainty surrounding his All-Star status with a measured response, making it clear he is comfortable with any outcome.
“If I’m there, I’ll be there in attendance. If I’m not, I know I’ll be able to take full advantage of it, I know exactly what I’ll be doing,” the father of three said. “So I’m good either way.”
Reserve selections will be announced on Feb. 1. If chosen, James would extend his NBA record to 22 consecutive All-Star appearances.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 15. The event will debut a new “U.S. vs. The World” format, featuring a round-robin tournament with three teams — two American teams and one international team, competing in four 12-minute games.
Even without a starting role, James’ presence would add historic significance to an All-Star Game already set to introduce a new format on one of the league’s biggest stages.
