Green to NBA: ‘They Better Make Sure’ LeBron is an All-Star
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1, 2026
The era of inevitable coronation is over. For the first time in two decades, LeBron James is not fighting for the top spot in NBA All-Star voting—he is fighting to stay relevant in the conversation entirely.
In a development that signals a seismic shift in the NBA hierarchy, the first fan returns for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game have placed the Los Angeles Lakers icon at a shocking No. 9 among Western Conference players. With just 536,555 votes, James trails not only the league’s new vanguard but also faces the very real possibility of missing the starting lineup for the first time since his rookie season.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, never one to mince words, addressed the voting collapse on Wednesday’s episode of The Draymond Green Show. While acknowledging the “surprising sight” of James plummeting down the leaderboard, Green issued a stern warning to the league’s coaches, who select the reserves.
“I don’t know how they’re looking at this [and] what they’ll do, but what I know is they better make sure he is [in],” Green said. “It’s LeBron James, he’s who he is to this league.”
The End of the Streak?
James’ drop to ninth is unprecedented for a player who has served as a team captain and leading vote-getter for much of his 23-year career. The low vote total suggests a changing of the guard, exacerbated by the ascent of his own teammate, Luka Dončić, who currently leads all Western Conference players in voting.
For Green, the numbers don’t justify erasing a legacy. While James’ statistical dominance may have tempered at age 41, Green argues his presence remains essential to the fabric of the All-Star weekend. The implication is clear: leaving LeBron James out of the All-Star festivities isn’t just a snub; it’s a marketing disaster.
The Coaches’ Dilemma
If the fan voting trends continue, James will not be a starter. The burden will then fall on the Western Conference coaches to select him as a reserve. Historically, coaches reward winning and current-season impact over legacy. With the Lakers contending but James taking a secondary role to Dončić, his selection is no longer guaranteed.
Green’s comments highlight the tension between the “All-Star” game as a meritocracy versus a showcase of icons. If the coaches bypass James, it would mark the unceremonious end of the longest active All-Star streak in professional sports history.
