(New York) Lakers’ LeBron James will return to Cleveland as captain for the All-Star Game on February 20.
Posted at 8:51 p.m.
Updated at 9:39 p.m.
Ja Morant of the Grizzlies and Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors will compete in the annual classic for the first time.
Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets and Stephen Curry of the Warriors have also been voted as starters for Western clubs, the NBA announced Thursday.
From the East: Kevin Durant (Nets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), DeMar DeRozan (Bulls), Joel Embiid (76ers) and Trae Young (Hawks).
The captains will be James and Durant, the most popular on either side, in the ballot including fans, members of the media and active players.
We will know the choices of James and Durant on February 10.
A native of Akron, James won the NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, his second stint with them. He started his career with Cleveland in 2003.
Star player for the 18and consecutive year, James has been captain every year since the start of the current game format (2018).
Durant may have to miss the game with a left knee injury.
Morant averaged 25.8 points per game. Memphis surprises by occupying the third rank in the West.
The host city is also doing well, basketball side, the Cavaliers being third in the East.
The NBA will announce the reserves on February 3.