2025 NBA All-Star starters announced: LeBron makes history, Curry, Jokic, and Giannis among picks
LeBron, Curry, and Giannis headline the 2025 NBA All-Star starters. New mini-tournament format adds fresh excitement.
Sports Desk |
January 24, 2025
The NBA officially revealed the starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game on Thursday night, showcasing a mix of seasoned superstars and rising talents as the league gears up for All-Star Weekend in San Francisco on February 16.
In the Eastern Conference, fan-favourite Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks headlines the starters, joined by Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, and the New York Knicks’ dynamic duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson.
The Western Conference starters feature Denver Nuggets’ reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Los Angeles Lakers’ record-breaking LeBron James, Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry, who will host the festivities in his hometown.
LeBron James makes history with his selection, extending his record for the most All-Star appearances. He’s now been named an NBA all-star for 21 consecutive years, a remarkable feat for the 40-year-old veteran.
Meanwhile, Curry, Durant, and Jokic represent the enduring star power and talent that fans across the globe continue to celebrate.
The starters were determined using a blend of fan voting (50%), player voting (25%), and media voting (25%). The announcement comes as the NBA reaches the midpoint of the 2024–25 season, with the league preparing for an exciting All-Star Weekend.
A New Format for 2025
This year’s All-Star Game will introduce a mini-tournament format, departing from traditional East vs West or player-drafted teams. Four teams will compete: three teams comprising the 24 All-Star selections and a fourth team featuring the winners of the Rising Stars Challenge. The tournament will consist of two semi-finals, with the winners advancing to a championship game.
The reserves, chosen by the league's head coaches, will be announced on Jan. 30, completing the pool of All-Star players.
Legacy and Star Power Take Centre Stage
The inclusion of James, Curry, and Durant highlights the NBA’s ongoing reliance on its legendary figures. Despite their advancing years, they remain among the league’s most beloved and marketable stars, leading Team USA last summer and consistently drawing large audiences to nationally televised games.
For fans in San Francisco, Curry serves as the perfect host for the league’s marquee mid-season event, bringing local pride and a touch of nostalgia to the festivities.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend promises to celebrate the past, present, and future of basketball, with a fresh format aimed at energising the fan experience and showcasing the sport’s brightest talents. The complete NBA All-Star draft will take place on February 6, 2025.
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