Draymond Green Passionately Makes Case for LeBron James’ All-Star Inclusion Citing Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki Precedent

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green commented on LA Lakers star LeBron James surprising low ranking in the first fan returns for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game (ASG).

James received 536,555 votes, which is No. 9 among Western Conference players. On Wednesday's episode of "The Draymond Green Show," Green said it is a "suprising sight," and predicted that it might be tough for James to be a starter. In addition, Green is unsure if the coaches will vote him in as a reserve.

"I don't know how they're looking at this (and) what they'll do, but what I know is they better make sure he is," Green said. "It's LeBron James, he's who he is to this league."

Green then said that if James is not voted as a starter or selected as a reserve, NBA commissioner Adam Silver could still add him to the lineup. The Warriors star referenced the 2019 ASG, when Silver named Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade as "special roster additions."

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"I played in an All-Star Game where the commish added Dirk and D-Wade as like legends of the game and it's their last one," Green added. "Like, they are who they are, they should be. It's the same with LeBron. The games in LA."

Green also threw shots at fans who think James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, shouldn't be an All-Star this season:

"I know a lot of people are like, 'Oh man, he shouldn't be an All-Star.' Shut up. Yes he should. He's been the face of the NBA for 20 years. Figure it out. There's no world where LeBron James isn't an All-Star this year."

The starting lineup for the ASG is selected via a combination of fan (50%), player (25%) and media (25%) votes. The reserves will be selected by the NBA coaches.

NBA analyst says Nikola Jokic's injury opened up a spot for LeBron James in ASG

NBA analyst Rachel Nichols said that LA Lakers star LeBron James could secure his 22nd All-Star appearance following the injury to Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Nichols said that while being a starter for James might be difficult, he could come in as an injury replacement for Jokic. Nichols predicted that the Nuggets might choose to prioritize the long-term health of the three-time MVP, thus he could skip the ASG.

"With LeBron not currently a starter in All-Star voting, his 21-year streak of making it at all is in danger," Nichols wrote. "But could Nikola Jokic’s injury open the door back up? Fortunately, the Jokic injury isn’t as serious as feared, but the Nuggets still say he won’t even be reevaluated until the end of January, and the All-Star game is just a couple weeks later. "Hard to see them being okay with Jokic playing in a meaningless game, which means Adam Silver would get to appoint an injury replacement. Hmmm."

In 15 games this season, James is averaging a career-low 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game on 49.6% shooting, including 31.5% from 3-point range.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos