LeBron James earns 22nd straight All-Star Selection

LeBron James has been selected as an NBA All-Star for the 22nd straight time after beginning the season with an injury.

The 41 years old missed the opening stretch of the season due to sciatica and did not make his debut until the Los Angeles Lakers’ 15th game. He also entered the season without his usual offseason and preseason preparation, something he said he had never experienced before.

“I really didn’t think about it, to be honest,” James said after Western Conference coaches selected him as a reserve. “I just wanted to get back to playing the game at a high level once I worked the rust off.”

James’ focus was simply on getting healthy enough to contribute in games. Since returning, however, his form has steadily improved, especially after his birthday on December 30.

The selection places James alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to earn multiple All-Star selections after turning 40. It also extends a streak that began in 2005 and remains unmatched in the league history.

James, who missed last year’s All-Star Game due to injury, is already the NBA’s all time leader in All-Star points and minutes. He will have the chance to add to those records on February 15, when the All-Star Game is held at the Clippers’ home arena.

“The coaches voted, right, so mad respect to the coaches and them seeing the way I’m still playing at this latter stage of my career,” James said. “And to be able to be an All-Star means a lot to my family, people that have been following my career, my LeBron faithful. They’ve been following my journey and it’s always rewarding just from a humbling standpoint to be able to be rewarded for what you put your work into.”