LeBron also has to contend with the rule that the NBA instituted last year to combat load management, which states that players must play at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards. That includes MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and yes, All-NBA.

James was named a starter for the game when the league announced the Western and Eastern Conference's starting lineups on Thursday. It will be his 21st consecutive All-Star Game s