Claim: LeBron James is in the NBA as a player.

The National Basketball Association -LRB- NBA -RRB- All-Star Game is an annual exhibition basketball game played between the Eastern-Conference and the Western-Conference All-Stars . It is the main event of the NBA All-Star Weekend . Twelve players -- five starters and seven reserves -- from each conference are chosen from a pool of 120 players -- 60 players from each conference with 24 guards and 24 frontcourts -LRB- forwards and centers -RRB- -- listed on the ballots by a panel of sport writers and broadcasters . The starters are chosen by a combination of fans , media , and current players . Fans may vote using a variety of online platforms , and account for 50 % of the vote , with the media and current players each accounting for 25 % . The reserves are chosen by voting among the head coaches of each team 's particular conference . Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players , and can select two guards , three big men , and two players regardless of positions . If a player is unable to participate due to injury , the NBA commissioner will select a replacement . The 1999 All-Star Game was canceled due to the league 's lockout .   The following is a list of NBA All-Stars , players who have been selected for the NBA All-Star Game at least once in their career . Note that the number indicates the player 's number of selections -- not the number of games played . For instance , Michael Jordan was named to the All-Star Game roster 14 times , but missed the 1986 game due to injury . As of the 2017 All-Star Game , 411 players have been selected to an All-Star Game roster at least once . However , only 283 of them have earned multiple selections to the game .   Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for most All-Star Game selections and most All-Star Games played . He was selected 19 times and played in 18 All-Star games . Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James both hold the record for most All-Star Game selections among active players , with 13 selections . Bob Cousy , John Havlicek , and LeBron James are tied for the most consecutive games actually played , appearing in 13 straight All-Star Games . Tim Duncan also played in 13 straight All-Star Games if the lockout-cancelled 1999 game is excluded . Several players were named to All-Star Game rosters , but never actually played in the game due to injury .  __ NOTOC __   Note : Statistics are correct as of the conclusion of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game .