NEW DELHI:
Basketball
icon
LeBron James
has etched his name in history as the first player to be selected as an
NBA All-Star
for the 20th time. The league announced the All-Star starters for the 2024 season on Thursday, with James leading the Western Conference lineup.
Joining James in the Western Conference starting lineup are Phoenix's
Kevin Durant
, Denver's Nikola Jokic, Dallas'
Luka Doncic
, and Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander secured the final West backcourt spot, narrowly edging out the perennial All-Star starter Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
On the Eastern Conference side, the starting lineup features Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston's Jayson Tatum, and Philadelphia's
Joel Embiid
in the frontcourt. The backcourt is represented by Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Milwaukee's Damian Lillard.
The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 18 in Indianapolis, offering a riveting clash between the league's brightest stars.
LeBron James expressed gratitude for the honor on social media, acknowledging the fans, media, and fellow players for voting him into his 14th All-Star Game as a starter. Kevin Durant, a 14-time selection, also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming game, anticipating the opportunity to compete with some of the greatest players in Indianapolis.
While the All-Star starters have been unveiled, the reserves, to be announced on February 1, will be selected through a vote by the league's head coaches. Any necessary additions to the rosters, due to player unavailability, will be determined by Commissioner Adam Silver.
This year's All-Star Game marks a return to the traditional East-vs.-West format, a departure from the recent captain-driven drafts. The format change, coupled with the elimination of the "target score" format, aims to enhance the overall quality of the All-Star Game.
LeBron James' unprecedented 20th All-Star selection places him among the elite few in U.S. major pro sports to achieve such a milestone. Joining the ranks of legends like Gordie Howe, Hank Aaron,
Willie Mays
,
Stan Musial
, and Mickey Mantle, James' enduring excellence continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. The NBA community eagerly anticipates the clash of titans in Indianapolis, as the stars align for the 2024 All-Star Game.
(Inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·