Insider Compares LeBron James’ All-Star Starter Hesitation to Michael Jordan’s 2003
The NBA All-Star Game scheduled for February 15 will look a little different. LeBron James will not start for the Western Conference in addition to Luka Dončić, Đanis, Stef Kari and Vebi.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Marc Spears tied the snub yes Michael Jordan‘s 2003, per NBA on ESPN.
“Michael Jordan went through the same thing in 2003,” he said. “The difference is that Michael Jordan said he was retiring.”
“Michael Jordan went through the same thing in 2003. The difference is that Michael Jordan said he was retiring.”@MarcJSpears about LeBron James not being named an All-Star starter for the first time since 2004 🏀 pic.tvitter.com/pkiINLJ9vR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 20, 2026
In 2003, Jordan played his last NBA season with the Washington Wizards. At the time, he was completing his second return from retirement. He participated in his last All-Star game that year.
At halftime, Mariah Carey paid tribute to Jordan, and he addressed the crowd afterward, saying, “I can go in peace with basketball.”
James, 40, previously participated in the All-Star Game for 22 consecutive years. Along the way, James became a three-time All-Star MVP in 2006, 2008 and 2018. Moreover, he has the most points scored in All-Star Game history, with 434 points and an average of 21.7 points per game.
On Sunday, James surpassed his career total of 51,000 points against the Toronto Raptors. So far, he is averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Lakers are 25-16, sixth best in the Western Conference.
As for the All-Star voting, James’ teammate Luka Doncic led with the most votes.
We’re getting into this season, James it was speculated that he was entering his final season. However, others said it was, except James himself.
Surely, when it’s time for James to step down, the next All-Star game he plays in will send him off in style.
2026-01-20 23:24:00
