The reserves for the Western Conference All-Star team will be selected by NBA coaches and announced on Sunday, February 1. With the starters already chosen, here are the candidates for the reserves who will compete on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
All-Star starters announced
The selection of Western Conference starters came from a mix of fan, media, and player votes, resulting in a roster rich in international talents.
Jokic is back to full health, so no need for an injury replacement at this time.
All-Star reserves
Kawhi Leonard | Forward, Los Angeles Clippers | 27.9 points, 2.1 steals
Kawhi Leonard ranks seventh in the NBA for scoring and leads with 2.1 steals per game. He has a shooting percentage of 49.8 overall, 39.7 from three-point range, and an impressive 94 percent on free throws. Leonard is efficient from various distances, shooting 57 percent from 10-16 feet, and has significantly improved the Los Angeles Clippers’ season after recent struggles.
Anthony Edwards | Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves | 29.3 points, 58.1 eFG%
Anthony Edwards continues to refine his game each season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He led the league in three-pointers last season and has improved his accuracy this year to 41.3 percent from deep, alongside a remarkable 55.4 percent on two-pointers. Edwards excels defensively, gets to the free-throw line often, and is a strong MVP contender.
Kevin Durant | Forward, Houston Rockets | 26.5 points, 40.8 3P%
At 37 years old, Kevin Durant shows no signs of slowing down in his 18th season. The Houston Rockets benefit greatly from his scoring and availability after acquiring him. He ranks 12th in the league for minutes played, and his accurate three-point shooting helps clear the paint for other players like Alperen Sengun.
Jamal Murray | Guard, Denver Nuggets | 25.9 points, 44.2 3P%
This season marks the first time Jamal Murray has shined as he did in past playoff runs, averaging 3.3 three-pointers per game with a 44.2 shooting percentage. He also records a career-high of 7.3 assists. Murray played a key role in the Denver Nuggets’ strong performance during Jokic’s injury, making him a strong candidate for his first All-Star appearance.
Deni Avdija | Forward, Portland Trail Blazers | 25.8 points, 6.8 assists
Deni Avdija is having a breakout season, increasing his scoring from 16.9 to 25.8 points per game and assists from 3.9 to 6.8. The Portland Trail Blazers are now focusing their offense around him, resulting in an average of 9.7 free-throw attempts per game. The World team also needs forwards, making him a valuable selection.
Chet Holmgren | Center, Oklahoma City Thunder | 17.8 points, two blocks
Chet Holmgren is pivotal for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s top-ranked defense, averaging two blocks per game and grabbing 8.6 rebounds. His ability to shoot from outside (37.7 percent from three) adds a challenging dynamic for opposing teams.
LeBron James | Forward, Los Angeles Lakers | 22 points, 6.7 assists
While acknowledging other deserving players like Lauri Markkanen and Jimmy Butler, LeBron James earns a spot. Despite missing some games and having lower scoring rates, he remains a critical player for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are currently in fifth place. His experience and skill warrant his inclusion.