The 2023 NBA All-Star Game belonged to Team Giannis, who defeated Team LeBron 184-175. For the first time, the Lakers star lost as team captain in a special game. Before tonight, James was 5-0. In the end, Celtics player Jayson Tatum stole the show, earning MVP honors after breaking Anthony Davis’ All-Star Game scoring record with 55 points in the win.
This was LeBron’s 19th All-Star selection, which ties him with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most in history. But Abdul-Jabbar missed one of the Games, and LeBron didn’t, making him the all-time leader in All-Star Games played.
LeBron suffered a concussion on his right hand, which occurred when he tried to block Pascal Siakam and got his finger caught in the rim.
The All-Star teams were established in a one-of-a-kind draft, about half an hour before kickoff. The All-Stars took to the stage, LeBron and Giannis stood at podiums as if it were a political debate. This is the sixth year that the captains have chosen teams, regardless of conference. That Draft was always days before the All-Star Game weekend.
Team LeBron (Coach: Michael Malone, Denver)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Joel Embiid (76ers)
- Kyrie Irving (Mavericks)
- Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
- Paul George (Clippers)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
- Julius Randle (Knicks)
- De’Aaron Fox (Kings)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
Team Giannis (Coach: Joe Mazzulla, Boston)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
- Jason Tatum (Celtics)
- Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)
- Damian Lillard (Blazers)
- Jrue Holiday (Bucks)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
- DeMar DeRozan (Bulls)
- Pascal Siakam (Raptors)
- Bam Adebayo (Heat)
- Domantas Sabonis (Kings)
