Who holds the record for the highest number of selections to the NBA All-Star Game?

In February 2026, LeBron James increased his NBA record to 22 All-Star Game selections by being named a reserve for the upcoming midseason event.

James’ initial All-Star appearance occurred in 2005. To highlight his enduring career, he has started All-Star Games alongside legends such as Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, and Shaquille O’Neal. In recognition of James’ achievement, we will review the NBA players with the most All-Star Game appearances.

LeBron James, 22

Along with holding the record for the most All-Star Games played, James is the all-time leading scorer in the event, accumulating 434 career points. He earned the All-Star MVP award in 2006, 2008, and 2018. Although he was not selected as an All-Star during his rookie year, he has been chosen every year since then and continues to perform at a high level.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 19

Abdul-Jabbar participated in 19 All-Star Games over his 20-year NBA career. However, he was never awarded the All-Star Game MVP title. His first selection came as a rookie in the 1969-70 season, and his last All-Star selection occurred during his final NBA season (1988-89) at the age of 41.

Kobe Bryant, 18

Bryant was selected as an All-Star in 18 of his 20 NBA seasons, including four years where he topped the league in All-Star voting (2003, 2011, 2013, and 2016). His first selection was in the 1997-98 season when he was only 19 years old. Bryant received the All-Star MVP award four times—in 2002, 2007, 2009 (co-MVP with Shaquille O’Neal), and 2011—tying the NBA record held by Bob Pettit.

Julius Erving, 16

Erving was chosen for 11 NBA All-Star Games and five ABA All-Star Games. He led all players in All-Star voting on four occasions (1978, 1981, 1982, and 1983) and was named MVP of the game in 1977 and 1983. One of his most iconic All-Star moments occurred in 1976 when he executed a dunk from the free throw line during the 1976 ABA Dunk Contest, a feat later replicated by Michael Jordan.

Kevin Durant, 16

As he enters this year’s event, Durant ranks third all-time in NBA All-Star Game scoring, behind only James and Bryant. He was also honored as All-Star MVP in 2012 and 2019.

Tim Duncan, 15

Duncan made 15 All-Star appearances, with 12 of those as a starter. He shared co-MVP honors in the 2000 All-Star Game (with O’Neal) after finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists in the Western Conference’s 137-126 victory over the East.

Kevin Garnett, 15

Garnett also made 15 All-Star appearances, including 11 as a starter. He was named the All-Star MVP in 2003 after scoring 37 points, along with nine rebounds, five steals, three assists, and a block in the West’s 155-145 win.

Shaquille O’Neal, 15

O’Neal participated in 15 All-Star Games, with nine starts. He was a three-time All-Star MVP—in 2000 (co-MVP with Duncan), 2004, and 2009 (co-MVP with Bryant). His standout All-Star performance occurred in 2004, where he recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

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