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

James’ drop to ninth is unprecedented for a player who has served as a team captain and leading vote-getter

or 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.

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 impac