By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 70th edition of the NBA All-Star Game will be a one-day event held Sunday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. It’s a different approach compared to the previous editions as the coronavirus pandemic keeps its strong grip on sports events worldwide but still extends LeBron James to his 17th appearance in a row, every single year as a starter.
James, 36, has constantly been part of the annual All-Star Game since 2005. This year’s selection marked his 17th overall. He trails only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and Kobe Bryant (18), while Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Shaquille O’Neal follow with 15 each. Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jerry West landed 14 berths during their careers.
The Los Angeles Lakers star and All-Star Game captain for the fourth year in a row is the leading scorer in All-Star Game history with 385 points to his name. He was named MVP in 2006, 2008, and 2018.
This year he made out a European-friendly squad surrounding himself with starters Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic, and adding Domantas Sabonis and Rudy Gobert as reserves. The record-breaking sixth European All-Star, Nikola Vucevic found himself on the opposite end at Team Durant.
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