LeBron has second unfathomable streak end with All-Star Game announcement

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

LeBron James has second unfathomable streak end with All-Star Game announcement

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 9:16 AM ET

For a moment, let's turn the clock back to the 2003-04 NBA season, which had of the top draft classes of all-time featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and others.

That rookie season for James saw him miss the NBA All-Star Game entirely. Ever since that season, James has been selected as an All-Star Game starter. That is, up until Monday when a 21-year streak ended for the one of the greatest players of all-time.

LeBron James was not selected as an All-Star Game starter

The 2026 All-Star Game starters were announced Monday afternoon, and, for the first time since 2004, James was not included in the list. The Western Conference starters are Luka Doncic, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic.

With those five names listed above, it is not a major surprise to see James omitted as a starter for just the second time in his career.

The Western Conference NBA All-Star Starters! pic.twitter.com/A3o64czB0w
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2026

It is the second major streak snapped for LeBron James this season

Earlier this season in a game against the Toronto Raptors, James had his streak of 1,297 consecutive games with 10 points snapped. That was a streak that felt like it would never end, but it ultimately was snapped in the same season as the All-Star Game starter streak.

Those could be coincidence, or they could also be a sign that James is 41 years old and his time in the NBA is rapidly coming to an end. Two of the most impressive and unbreakable streaks in NBA history ending in the same season may be the indicator that James has limited time left.

He will likely still be selected to the All-Star Game, but it will be wild to viewers to not hear "LeBron James" announced when the starters are introduced.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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