NBA All-Star game back to East-West format as LeBron breaks record

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are set to assume the roles of All-Star captains for the fourth time, leading the best players from the Eastern and Western conferences in a showdown at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday in Indianapolis.

This game holds special significance for LeBron James, marking his 20th All-Star selection at the age of 39, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most selections in NBA history. James, who has had a remarkable career, is currently averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game this season. With 10 All-Star selections with the Cleveland Cavaliers, six with the Los Angeles Lakers, and four with the Miami Heat, he reflects on his enduring journey and expresses gratitude to his fans.

“I give credit and a lot of respect to my fans who have been along with me through this whole 21-year journey,” James said. “And voting me in as an All-Star starter for the 20th consecutive time, (I’m) just very humbled. Very blessed to be able to do what I love to do and just try to give back, give back to the game that’s given (to) me over two decades.”

LeBron James will be joined by a stellar lineup for the Western Conference, featuring players like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic. On the Eastern Conference side, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard headline the starting lineup, with Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum also set to start.

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Despite the absence of players like Joel Embiid and Julius Randle due to injuries, replacements Trae Young and Scottie Barnes are ready to step in. Bucks coach Doc Rivers will decide on the replacement for Embiid in the starting lineup.

Tyrese Haliburton, making his second All-Star appearance and first All-Star start on his home court in Indianapolis, expressed his excitement, saying, “This means the world to me. Shout out to all the fans, my peers, and the media for the love that I’ve received.”

Coaching the Western Conference is Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, who has options like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns off the bench.

This All-Star Game marks a return to the traditional Eastern vs. Western Conference format for the first time since 2017, as previous editions featured mixed teams selected by James, Antetokounmpo, Durant, and Stephen Curry. Jayson Tatum, last season’s All-Star Game MVP, aims to lead his team to victory once again after securing a 184-175 win for “Team Giannis” over “Team LeBron.”