The NBA has revealed the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game, and to no one’s surprise, perennial superstars LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are once again leading the pack. James, now 40 years old, extended his own record by being named an All-Star starter for the 21st time in his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo topped the overall fan vote for the second straight year, cementing his status as one of the league’s most popular players.
A Star-Studded Starting Lineup
Joining James in the Western Conference starting five are:
- Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP from the Denver Nuggets
- Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, who now has the fourth-most All-Star selections ever with 15
- Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, back in the starting lineup in his home city
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the breakout star of the Oklahoma City Thunder
In the East, Antetokounmpo is joined by a trio of first-time starters:
- Jayson Tatum, the rising superstar of the Boston Celtics
- Donovan Mitchell, now starring for the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Karl-Anthony Towns, in his first season with the New York Knicks
The other starting spot in the East backcourt came down to the wire between the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, Bucks guard Damian Lillard, and LaMelo Ball of the Hornets, who actually received the most fan votes. In the end, it was Brunson who got the nod after coaches and media weighed in.
Legends Cementing Their Legacy
For James, this 21st All-Star selection is just the latest milestone in a career full of them. He long ago passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star appearances, and now has Michael Jordan’s record of most selections as a starter in his sights. Though James is putting up unprecedented numbers for a 40-year-old, he remains as driven as ever to compete on the league’s brightest stage.
“It’s always special to be selected as an All-Star, but this year, coming back to Cleveland, it’s going to be a really memorable weekend.”
– LeBron James
Durant’s 15th selection moves him into truly rarified air. He is now tied with Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal for the fourth-most appearances in league history. Only Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and James himself have been selected more often. It’s a testament to KD’s sustained greatness and popularity that he remains an All-Star fixture in his 18th NBA season.
New Stars Shining Bright
While the old guard continues to lead the All-Star pack, this year’s starting lineup also reflects the rise of the NBA’s new generation of superstars. In the East especially, first-time starters Tatum, Mitchell and Towns represent a passing of the torch.
Tatum has blossomed into the Celtics’ unquestioned leader and one of the game’s most complete offensive weapons. Mitchell has taken his game to new heights since being traded to the Cavaliers, keeping them in title contention. And Towns is proving he’s still an elite big man, now under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
Out West, Gilgeous-Alexander is enjoying a true breakout season, leading the NBA in scoring for an upstart Thunder squad that currently sits atop the standings. And Jokic continues to post absurd numbers for the Nuggets, averaging a 30-point triple-double while shooting 50/40/90 – numbers never before seen in NBA history.
A New All-Star Format
The 2025 All-Star Game will look a bit different thanks to some tweaks from the league office. The traditional East vs. West format has been scrapped in favor of three mixed teams, with captains drafting their squads from the 24 All-Stars, plus the Rising Stars winner.
Speaking of captains, that honor goes to Mark Daignault of the Thunder and Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers by virtue of having the best records in their respective conferences. Their assistant coaches will divvy up the two remaining teams.
“We think shaking up the format and allowing for new combinations of players to take the floor together will add a cool new dynamic to the weekend.”
– Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
The seven reserves from each conference will be announced next week on TNT. Though many tough choices remain, one thing is already clear – the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be a star-studded showcase featuring the game’s biggest names and brightest young stars.
