The 2022 NBA All-Star game is about a month away, and if players want to have a strong shot to get named to their respective teams, now is the time to go all out. That’s been the case for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
James, who turned 37 in late December, is having an extraordinary season, especially with his offensive production.
The 19-year veteran is averaging 28.9 points per game, trailing only Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant in that category. But James’ efficiency is arguably more impressive, as he is knocking down 52.8% of his shots overall and 37.2% from downtown.
Though the Lakers are currently 21-20, James is the reason the team is staying afloat in the playoff race as Anthony Davis nurses an MCL sprain. That is one reason The Athletic picked James to be a starter in the Western Conference frontcourt:
LeBron James, Lakers: Is the Lakers’ 21-20 record a disappointment? Yes. But don’t blame James. He’s second in the league in scoring (28.9 points per game), and he’s done it with his trademark efficiency. After a slow start, he’s averaging more than 30 points per game in December and January while shifting to the center position during Anthony Davis’ injury.
James led the Western Conference frontcourt in fan voting when the first round of votes were revealed last week. He garnered over 2,000,000 votes, which ranked second behind Stephen Curry to be an All-Star captain, a title James has held for four consecutive years. If he maintains this level of play and helps L.A. secure more wins, he could make a push for the top spot and solidify himself as a starter.
The other picks in the starting lineup by The Athletic: Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert.
The All-Star game is slated for Feb. 20 in Cleveland, so it’d be fitting for James to be a starter.
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