LebBron James and Kevin Durant were named as captains of the NBA All-Star teams for the second consecutive year. While the Los Angeles Lakers star returns to Cleveland in the leadership role, after sitting out in 2021 with an ankle injury, Ja Morant and Andrew Wiggins are headed there as first-time selections.

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry were voted as the other players in the Western conference starters. 

In the last fan vote update, on January 20, James was leading by 6.8 million votes. He is a starter for the 18th consecutive year. 

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Along with Durant, who maintained his spot as the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) will join the team. The starters also include Atlanta’s Trae Young and Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan.

Western Conference All-Star Starters

Frontcourt: LeBron James (Lakers), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Andrew Wiggins (Warriors)

Guards: Stephen Curry (Warriors), Ja Morant (Grizzlies)

Eastern Conference All-Star Starters

Frontcourt: Kevin Durant (Nets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Joel Embiid (76ers)

Guards: DeMar DeRozan (Bulls), Trae Young (Hawks)

The game takes place on February 20 in Cleveland. 

James, who began his NBA career with the Cavaliers in 2003 and led them to the 2016 championship during his second stint there, was chosen as an All-Star for the 18th straight time. He has been a captain every year since the league went away from the East vs. West format.

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Durant’s availability for the game is in doubt because of a sprained knee ligament.

Fan ballots accounted for 50% of the vote, with a media panel and current players each accounting for 25%.

Reserves for the game, voted on by the head coaches in each conference, will be announced on February 3.