2026 NBA All-Star Weekend: A Look Back at Los Angeles’ Top High School Athletes Since 2000
As the NBA’s top talents prepare for the All-Star Game on Sunday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, it is impossible to overlook the rich pool of homegrown talent that has emerged from the Los Angeles region.
From NBA champions to collegiate icons, the high school talent in L.A. appears to be boundless.
Taking into account their high school accomplishments, we focused on a roster filled with talent since 2000 that is capable of presenting a formidable challenge to this year’s All-Stars.
LaMelo Ball
Ball had an extraordinary high school career, most notably marked by his 92-point game during his sophomore year. That season, he averaged 27.5 points, 9.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds at Chino Hills High. The previous year, the youngest Ball, along with his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo, contributed to Chino Hills achieving a 35-0 record and securing a state championship. Ball played professionally in Lithuania and Australia prior to entering the NBA.
Kawhi Leonard
Leonard was a late bloomer on the national scene, ranking No. 56 in the SC Next 100 in 2009. Nevertheless, he posted impressive statistics as a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, averaging 22.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and three blocks. He earned the title of California Mr. Basketball.
James Harden
Harden guided Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, to consecutive state championships, averaging 18.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during his senior year in 2007. The McDonald’s All-American was ranked No. 14 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2007.
Tyson Chandler
Chandler was a formidable presence at Dominguez High School in Compton, California, overpowering opponents with averages of 26 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks on his way to a state title as a senior. Ranked No. 4 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2001, Chandler was a McDonald’s All-American before forgoing college to be selected No. 2 overall in the NBA draft by the LA Clippers.
DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan, who was ranked No. 8 in the SC Next 100, led Compton High School during his senior year, averaging 29.2 points and 7.9 rebounds. This performance earned him a place in the McDonald’s All-American game.
Jrue Holiday
Holiday excelled at Campbell Hall School in L.A., leading the Vikings to a 31-5 record and a state championship while averaging 25.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 4.8 steals. His achievements were recognized with the 2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Holiday was ranked No. 4 in the SC Next 100.
Jordan Farmar
Farmar accumulated over 2,000 points in two years at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California, averaging 27.5 points and 6.5 assists during his senior year in 2004. A McDonald’s All-American, Farmar led Taft to its inaugural City title.
Klay Thompson
Thompson guided Santa Margarita High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, to the Division III state title game and a 30-5 record. He averaged 21 points as a senior in 2008 and was ranked No. 53 in the SC Next 100.
Lonzo Ball
The eldest Ball led Chino Hills High School to an unblemished season, finishing 35-0 in 2016 while averaging 23.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 11.5 assists as a senior. Ball, who was named a McDonald’s All-American, was ranked No. 4 in the SC Next 100.
