Since entering the league in 2003, LeBron James has been named an All-Star 14 times. That’s definitely a testament to how good he’s been on the court, and how much the Cleveland Cavaliers forward has placed an importance on his health, allowing him to perform at a very high level.
Now in his 15th season, James has once again been named an All-Star and also one of the captains, along with Stephen Curry. However, not only will the format be different for the exhibition game this year, but it will also be the first time James will not have either Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, or Chris Bosh on his side, according to SportsCenter.
LeBron's made 14 All-Star teams, but this is a first. #SCFacts pic.twitter.com/2lyQXhVw1w
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 18, 2018
Wade, who played alongside James with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the season started has since been dealt to the Miami Heat ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month. Although he is still effective on the court, he has been coming off the bench and not playing at the same level he was at during his prime.
Anthony is averaging career-lows in points and assists this season, and appears to still be adjusting to his new role with the Oklahoma City Thunder, being more of a scorer from the perimeter and beyond the arc, and not the focal point of the offense anymore, with Russell Westbrook and Paul George sharing the floor with him.
Bosh, on the other hand, has been forced to remain on the sidelines the past two years after blood clots were once again found in his body. Although he made it clear that he still wants to continue his career, it will be a tall order for him to make a comeback in the NBA given his health issues.
Despite not being with either of the three aforementioned players in this year’s All-Star Game, it’s still expected to be a highly entertaining affair, where James will lead the charge for his own team and prove why he is widely considered the best player in the world even now in his 15th NBA season.
