The NBA has officially unveiled the reserves for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, delivering a mix of historic milestones and fresh faces that will define the upcoming showcase in Los Angeles. Headlining the announcement is Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who has extended his own legendary record with a 22nd consecutive All-Star selection. The 41-year-old icon joins a roster that features six first-time All-Stars, including Denver’s Jamal Murray and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, setting the stage for a revolutionary new tournament format at the Intuit Dome.
LeBron James Extends Historic All-Star Record
In a testament to his unprecedented longevity, LeBron James has once again rewritten the history books. While his streak of 21 consecutive starts came to an end this year, the coaches' vote ensured that James remains a fixture of the league's midseason celebration. Now in his 23rd NBA season, James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, continuing to defy Father Time.
James' 22nd All-Star selection puts further distance between himself and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's former record of 19, cementing a legacy that may never be touched. "It's super humbling," James said following the announcement. "To be able to be an All-Star means a lot to my family and the people that have been following my journey." He joins teammate Luka Dončić, who was voted a starter, giving the Lakers two representatives for the festivities in their rival's home arena.
First-Time Selections: Murray and Holmgren Finally Arrive
The 2026 roster is also defined by the arrival of new elite talent. After years of being considered one of the best players never to make the cut, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has finally earned his first All-Star selection. Murray, who has been instrumental in keeping Denver near the top of the West despite Nikola Jokić's missed time, is averaging a career-best 25.8 points per game.
Joining him is Oklahoma City Thunder phenom Chet Holmgren, whose defensive dominance and offensive versatility have made him a lock for the roster. Holmgren's selection marks a changing of the guard in the Western Conference frontcourt. Other first-time honorees include Portland's Deni Avdija, who has exploded for 25.5 points per game this season, Detroit's Jalen Duren, Atlanta's Jalen Johnson, and Miami's Norman Powell, proving that the league's talent pool is deeper than ever.
Full List of 2026 NBA All-Star Reserves
Western Conference:
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
Eastern Conference:
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Norman Powell (Heat)
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
New 'USA vs. World' Format Debuts in Los Angeles
The 2026 All-Star Game will look completely different from years past. The NBA is debuting a new USA vs. World NBA format that replaces the traditional East vs. West or Captains Draft models. The 24 selected All-Stars will be divided into three teams: two squads composed of U.S. players and one "World" team comprised of international stars.
These three teams will compete in a round-robin tournament consisting of four 12-minute games. The top two teams will advance to a final championship game to determine the winner. This format is designed to capitalize on the incredible influx of international talent, with the "World" team featuring heavy hitters like Jokić, Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and now Murray and Avdija.
Notable Snubs: Clippers Left Empty-Handed at Home
As with every roster announcement, the NBA All-Star snubs 2026 conversation is heating up. The most glaring omissions involve the host team, the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the game being held at their new Intuit Dome, neither Kawhi Leonard nor James Harden were selected by the coaches. Leonard has been efficient when healthy, but the Clippers' inconsistent record likely hurt their chances.
Other notable players left off the list include Houston's Alperen Şengün, who is leading the Rockets in rebounds and assists, and Brooklyn's Michael Porter Jr., who is enjoying a breakout scoring season after his trade to the Nets. With Giannis Antetokounmpo currently nursing a calf injury, Commissioner Adam Silver will likely need to name an injury replacement in the coming days, offering a glimmer of hope for one of these snubbed stars.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game tips off on Sunday, February 15, 2026, promising a night of record-breaking history and intense competition under the new tournament rules.
