LeBron James was once again drafted first overall for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game set for February 16 in San Francisco. This year’s All-Star draft was broadcasted on TNT, featuring analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley making team selections.
Quote from Shaquille O’Neal: “Old and legendary, I’m going to go with LeBron Eduardo James.” (Shaquille O’Neal is known for humorously inventing middle names.)
James, who holds the record for the most All-Star appearances in the league, returned as the No. 1 pick. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted at a potential U.S. vs. World format in future All-Star Games, although such changes would require careful roster selection due to the significant number of international players in the league.
This year’s All-Star Game has transformed into a tournament format with three teams of eight players each. The competing teams include international players such as Nikola Jokic from Serbia and Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece.
The teams participating in the draft were:
Team Shaq: LeBron James (1), Stephen Curry (5), Anthony Davis (9), Jayson Tatum (10), Kevin Durant (14), Damian Lillard (18), James Harden (19), Jaylen Brown (24).
Team Kenny: Anthony Edwards (2), Jalen Brunson (6), Jaren Jackson Jr. (7), Jalen Williams (11), Darius Garland (15), Evan Mobley (16), Cade Cunningham (20), Tyler Herro (23).
Team Charles: Nikola Jokic (3), Giannis Antetokounmpo (4), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (8), Victor Wembanyama (12), Pascal Siakam (13), Alperen Sengun (17), Karl-Anthony Towns (21), Donovan Mitchell (22).
The All-Star Game will also include a four-team tournament structure, enhancing the competitive spirit and excitement of the event.
