LeBron James Receives 'Worst 2025–26 Performer' Rating Before NBA All-Star Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 12:25 PM ET

For the first time in 22 years, LeBron James was not voted an NBA All-Star starter in 2026, finishing ninth in the Western Conference voting. The setback, however, was understandable as he was absent for 14 games due to sciatica.

Despite the commendable climb from the first returns, he remained significantly behind leaders like Los Angeles Lakers teammate Luka Doncic and Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry in the West, as well as the Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, who ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Such a result was a new experience for James and his fan base. But it seems like the NBA knew that without James, All-Star Weekend would feel absolutely empty.

The league just unveiled its all-star reserve, and there were some surprise snubs. The best thing? James managed to make his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game, but his first time as a reserve since 2004.

Per HoopsHype's Global Rating, however, the 41-year-old is the worst 2025-26 performer to make the All-Star Game. It measures performance using individual and team stats plus competition strength. A 20-10-5 season for a title team carries more weight than the same stats for a lottery squad.

Per HoopsHype's Global Rating, LeBron James is the worst 2025-26 performer at the All-Star Game.

James Harden would be the biggest snub.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) February 1, 2026

James’ numbers explain the low rating. He is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists through 31 games this season. In the last 10 games, he averaged only 20.9 points. But that is his worst scoring average since his rookie season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has avoided playing James on back-to-back nights to protect his health, even during a packed January schedule. Bron has also acknowledged that at 41, he can't play every game.

The Lakers are 29-19, sitting sixth in the West. Doncic leads the team and the NBA with a 33.6-point scoring average, not James, which shows up in the All-Star voting results.

The 2026 All-Star Game is Feb. 15 at Intuit Dome, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers. But this will be James' first time coming off the bench in over two decades.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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