The NBA has named its All-Star starters for West and East — though the players will now be split into USA v World teams under this year’s format for the mid-season showpiece.
Lakers megastar Luka Doncic topped the votes as he was named a West starter, alongside the likes of Denver’s triple MVP Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio phenom Victor Wembanyama, all of whom will join him on the World team.
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Though none of those picks were surprising, legendary point guard Stephen Curry was the only American player to make the West line-up, highlighting the incredible rise of international talent.
LeBron James, meanwhile, was not named as an All-Star starter for the first time in 21 years.
The Lakers superstar finished eighth in voting, one spot ahead of Kevin Durant and one spot behind Anthony Edwards.
He can still make the team as a reserve, with NBA coaches to vote for seven reserve (or bench) players from each conference.
In the East, Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo heads the list as speculation rages over the future of the Milwaukee Bucks hero’s future.
Elsewhere, Cade Cunningham has been rewarded for his MVP-calibre season with his first selection as a starter alongside fellow guards Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey.
Rounding out the starting line-up in the East is Boston’s Jaylen Brown, who is in career-best form with teammate Jayson Tatum injured.
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