Who has the most NBA All-Star Game selections? - ESPN

In January 2025, LeBron James extended his NBA record to 21 All-Star Game selections, when he was named a starter for the league's next midseason showcase. He later announced that he would miss the game because of a lingering foot and ankle injury. It's the first All-Star Game James has sat out in his career.

James' first All-Star appearance was in 2005. To put his longevity into perspective, he has started All-Star Games alongside Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal. In honor of James' record, let's examine the NBA players who have appeared in the most All-Star Games.

LeBron James, 21

In addition to playing in the most All-Star Games, James is the all-time leading scorer in the event, with 434 career points. He won the All-Star MVP award in 2006, 2008 and 2018. James wasn't an All-Star during his rookie season, but he has been selected every year since. And he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 19

Abdul-Jabbar made 19 All-Star appearances throughout his 20-year NBA career. However, he was never named the All-Star Game MVP. Abdul-Jabbar's first All-Star selection came as a rookie during the 1969-70 season. His final All-Star selection was during his last NBA season (1988-89) at 41 years old.

Kobe Bryant, 18

Bryant was named an All-Star in 18 of his 20 NBA seasons, including four years in which he led the league in All-Star voting (2003, 2011, 2013 and 2016). His first selection was during the 1997-98 season, when he was just 19 years old. Bryant was named the All-Star MVP four times — in 2002, 2007, 2009 (co-MVP with Shaquille O'Neal) and 2011 — tying the NBA record with Bob Pettit.

Julius Erving, 16

Erving was selected to 11 NBA All-Star Games and five ABA All-Star