Is LeBron James playing in 2026 NBA All-Star Game? Final status for Lakers star

At this point, the annual NBA All-Star Game would feel weird without LeBron James’ presence.

James has been named to 21 consecutive All-Star games, and he was selected to participate in his 22^nd this year.

LeBron James will play in 2026 NBA All-Star Game 

With no injury distinction heading into the exhibition, James is expected to play in the 2026 NBA All-Star game. He didn't play in the game last year due to an ankle injury. 

James' 22 All-Star selections and 21 appearances are the most in NBA history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has the second-most with 19. This year, James joined Abdul-Jabbar by becoming just the second player ever to earn multiple All-Star selections after age 40. 

Earlier this month, James referred to his record-setting 22nd selection as "super humbling," and shared appreciation for those who contributed to his selection. 

“Mad respect to the coaches and them seeing how I’m still playing at this latter stage of my career and to be able to be an All-Star, that means a lot to my family, my people that’s been following my career, my LeBron faithful, that’s been following my journey," James said. 

“It’s always rewarding just from a humble standpoint to be able to be rewarded for what you put your work into." 

On the season, James has played in 36 games for the Lakers and posted averages of 22.0 points, 7.1 assists 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per performance. 

In his previous 20 All-Star game appearances, James has averaged 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists

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