NBA All Star Game 2020: Predicting the captains from either conference

The annual NBA All-Star Game will return on February 16th, 2020, as the league's top talent comes together for one of the most highly anticipated events of the season. Last year saw Team LeBron take on Team Giannis, and the rosters will be once again picked by two team captains during a televised special following overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans. So, with the All-Star Game getting increasingly closer, here we will take a look at the three contenders to be named team captain from each respective conference.

Western Conference

#1 LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is enjoying an excellent season with the Lakers

Heading into the season, many analysts had questioned LeBron James' status as the best player in the NBA. Needless to say, that particular debate will continue to rage on, although there is no denying that James has enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

So far this season, James is averaging 25.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, and he has also helped lead the Lakers to the best record in a crowded Western Conference. Additionally, the veteran remains the most popular player in the NBA, and it is likely that he will be named team captain for a third straight year.

#2 James Harden - Houston Rockets

James Harden is enjoying a historic season on the offensive end

With Steph Curry out through injury, James Harden could emerge as LeBron's biggest challenger for the captaincy. The 30-year-old still has his fair share of critics due to his style of play, although Harden has been a fixture in the All-Star Game since 2013 - and is enjoying a historic season for the Rockets. Through 21 games, Harden has averaged 38.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists - and the shooting guard will be hoping that his offensive numbers are enough to catapult him to the top of the Western Conference voting.

#3 Kawhi Leonard - LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is among the elite players in the West

Los Angeles is still a Laker town, although the Clippers believe that they have the NBA's best player in Kawhi Leonard. The 28-year-old earned his second Finals MVP Award on his way to leading the Raptors to defeat the Warriors in the 2019 Finals - and his presence in Los Angeles has also been enough to make the Clippers the favorites for the title.

While load management may keep Leonard out of the race to be named Defensive Player of the Year of MVP, his popularity around the league continues to rise, and NBA fans will be intrigued by the prospect of Leonard selecting his own All-Star team.

Eastern Conference

#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo captained the East last season following James' move to LA, and the 24-year-old is once again in pole position to select his own team. Antetokounmpo was named MVP for his performances during the 2018-19 season, and the Bucks star has found another level during the opening weeks of the season, averaging 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. The absence of a true second star in Milwaukee also helps his case, and Antetokounmpo has the potential to dominate the captain position over the next decade.

#2 Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid is among the contenders to be named captain in the East

Joel Embiid hasn't hit top form during the opening month of the season, although the Philadelphia center is still averaging an impressive 22.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest. Embiid also remains one of the NBA's most exciting performers, and his personality would shine through during the televised All-Star draft.

With Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris struggling for the Sixers, Embiid's status as Philadelphia's main man has been further elevated, and it is worth noting that the Cameroonian was popular enough to be named to the 2018 All-Star despite missing considerable time through load management. If he can put in a number of big performances over the coming weeks, Embiid still has a shot at being named team captain, and Philadelphia's huge fanbase will also help his chances.

#3 Kemba Walker - Boston Celtics

Kemba Walker has been excellent since completing a summer move to the Boston Celtics

Due to the depth in the West, Kemba Walker would be well out of contention to be named as captain of the All-Star roster. However, the 29-year-old's status has been elevated by his summer move from one struggling Eastern Conference team to a contender in the East. Walker was also named as a starter for the All-Star Game during his final season with the Charlotte Hornets.

His move to a contending Celtics team with one of the NBA's biggest fanbases effectively secures his status as an All-Star for the foreseeable future, and with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown still a few years away from their prime, Walker has a small window to challenge for honors such as being named captain from the East.