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The 2023 NBA All-Star starters have been announced for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. There were a few surprising choices.
Ten players with the most votes were named starters for the NBA All-Star game, which will take place in Utah. Along with the starters, the team captains were also announced. LA Lakers star LeBron James is the captain of the Western Conference. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was chosen to be the Eastern Conference captain.
At 38 years old, LeBron James is averaging 29.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He has single-handily kept the Lakers' playoff hopes alive. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.
James has been an NBA All-Star captain every year since 2018, which is when the new All-Star format debuted. Antetekounmpo was previously an All-Star captain in 2019 and 2020.
The starting five for the Eastern Conference features Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum. Many thought that Joel Embiid would be a starter for the East this season. But fans have favored other players over him.
For the Western Conference, the five starters are Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, and Nikola Jokic. Williamson was the most unexpected selection. This will be his second career NBA All-Star game appearance and his first as a starter.
Also read: Jalen Rose lists his 2023 Eastern Conference All-Star starters: “It was tough to leave off KD”
LeBron James makes history by being named a starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star game
James is on the verge of breaking the NBA scoring record. He's also tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 19 All-Star selections. The only time LeBron James failed to make the All-Star game was during his rookie season in 2004.
James is ranked seventh in the league in points per game and 11th in PER (player efficiency rating). The only major record he hasn't broken yet is becoming the NBA's all-time scoring leader. He is just 158 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who has held the scoring record since 1984.
Despite the Lakers' struggles, there is still hope for them to reach the playoffs. LeBron's achievements have overshadowed the team's inconsistent play.
Fans are hoping the team's fortunes will change after the NBA All-Star break. They've already made a significant roster move to help bolster their frontcourt and save their season.
