LeBron James says he is humbled by being selected to his 20th consecutive NBA All-Star Game.
The Los Angeles Lakers forward became the first player in league history to earn 20 All-Star nods, surpassing 19-time All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
James, 39, will join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant and Nikola Yossi at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, Indiana Kitchen started together for the Western Conference team.
He received 5,098,872 fan votes, the most among Western Conference players, making him the team’s captain.
Only Milwaukee Bucks star and Eastern Conference captain Giannis Antetokounmpo received more fan votes (5,427,874) than the four-time NBA champion.
James was moved by the All-Star voting results released Thursday night.
“I have so much trust and respect for the fans that have been with me throughout this entire 21-year journey,” he said via ESPN after the Lakers’ 141-132 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
“I’m extremely humbled to have been voted into the All-Star Game 20 times in a row.
“I’m very fortunate to be able to do what I love and try to give back and give back to the game that has given me over two decades.
“So, it’s pretty cool to know that this is the first time in NBA history that we’ve had so many All-Star starters, or whatever the case may be.”
LeBron added: “I’ve surpassed my dream of being in the NBA. I did it a long time ago.
“Everything else is just an added honor. I’m honored to still be able to play the game I love and achieve these things along the way.”
James’ achievement has reignited the “NBA GOAT” debate on social media, with NBA fans pointing out that the Lakers star has been selected to many more All-Star appearances than Michael Jordan (14).
“This is the greatest ever,” one wrote.
“This is something Jordan couldn’t do,” added another.
“Great achievement. His longevity is unreal. King James!” said a third.
“This man is incredible,” one person wrote.
James was an All-Star in every season except his rookie season.
In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 41 games.