Why LeBron James could still play in NBA All-Star game

LeBron James missed out on starting selection as an NBA All-Star starter for first time in 22 years, but the Los Angeles Lakers star is still set to feature in February's event.

Last month, the NBA announced the 10 players voted as starters, including Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, the Lakers' Luka Doncic and San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.

Fans accounted for 50% of the vote to determine the 2026 starters, while current NBA players and a media panel each accounted for 25%.

The five players with the best score in each conference were named as starters across the three teams, with international players playing for the world team.

James, 41, was ranked ninth overall in the Western Conference by voters.

But after that initial snub, James was named among the reserves list, having been selected by a panel of NBA coaches to play as one of 14 additional players.

James was selected in 2025 but did not play in the event after picking up an injury.

The All-Star game has been revamped this season and will feature two teams of players from the United States and one team of international players.

They will compete in a round-robin tournament comprising of four 12-minute games. The top two teams will then face each other in a championship game.

Players selected from Eastern Conference:

Players selected from Western Conference:

*denotes reserves

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.