The 2016 NBA All-Star starting lineups have just been announced, and they feature many of the usual suspects.
Here are the 2016 NBA All-Star Game starters
As expected, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry lead the West crew, while LeBron James headlines the East.
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Fans overwhelmingly wanted to see Kobe Bryant one last time before he retires, so he earned the most All-Star starter votes. He was oddly listed as a frontcourt player on the ballot, though, so he’ll start up front alongside Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, who held off a late charge from Dallas’ Zaza Pachulia, of all people. Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook start in the backcourt, with the latter beating out Chris Paul.
The East offered a few more surprises, though many familiar names ended up there. LeBron James cruised to his 12th All-Star appearance, while former teammate Dwyane Wade joins him despite his advancing age. The other three spots were hotly contested, but in the end, Carmelo Anthony barely beat out Pau Gasol for the final frontcourt spot by just 360 votes, and Kyle Lowry came from behind to knock off Kyrie Irving for the second backcourt position.
The 2016 All-Star Game will be played in Toronto on Feb. 14.
Here is the Eastern Conference starting lineup
GUARD: Dwyane Wade
GUARD: Kyle Lowry
FRONTCOURT: LeBron James
FRONTCOURT: Paul George
FRONTCOURT: Carmelo Anthony
Here is the Western Conference starting lineup
GUARD: Stephen Curry
GUARD: Russell Westbrook
FRONTCOURT: Kobe Bryant
FRONTCOURT: Kevin Durant
FRONTCOURT: Kawhi Leonard
* * *
SB Nation presents: Harrison Barnes took on the entire Bulls team and scored
See More:
