The question of whether LeBron James still belongs in the All-Star Game feels almost absurd on the surface, yet it speaks to something larger: how we evaluate aging superstars in a league obsessed with what’s next.

Even in the twilight of his career, James continues to operate at a level that most players never reach. He remains a primary offensive engine, capable of orchestrating an entire system with his passing, scoring, and command of tempo. Defenses still tilt toward him, game plans still start with him, and late-game possessions still find the ball in his hands. That alone places him firmly in All-Star territory.

But the All-Star debate is not just about box-score production. It’s also about impact, narrative, and the league’s broader ecosystem. James is still a nightly matchup problem, a connector who elevates teammates and stabilizes lineups. His presence keeps his team relevant in the playoff picture and in every national conversation. When he’s on the floor, the product is better, and that matters to a showcase designed to highlight the league’s biggest draws.

There is also the reality that the All-Star Game is part meritocracy, part celebration. It rewards current excellence while acknowledging the faces of the league. James remains both. Younger stars have risen, and the league is deeper with elite talent than ever, but that doesn’t diminish his place among the top forwards. If anything, his ability to maintain All-Star caliber play amid that surge of youth only strengthens his case.

Could you build an All-Star roster without LeBron James? In theory, yes. In practice, it would feel incomplete. His résumé alone doesn’t guarantee a spot, but his ongoing production, influence on winning, and status as a central figure in the NBA conversation make the answer clear.

Fact: LeBron James still belongs in the All-Star Game.