NBA All-Star Game: Western Conference starters revealed

Ben Simmons is still waiting to see if he’ll break Australia’s All-Star drought after the starters were unveiled to much fanfare and derision.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 17: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the action against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

LeBron James has changed conferences but his position as the NBA’s top dog remains after the Lakers superstar was named an All-Star captain again.

James has a missed a chunk of the season through injury but was unveiled as the Western Conference captain today.

He’ll be joined by starting guards James Harden (Houston Rockets) and Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), who were easy selections after their stellar form.

The two remaining front-court slots were tougher picks, but Curry’s Warriors teammate Kevin Durant and OKC Thunder standout Paul George were given the nod, ahead of the likes of Anthony Davis (New Orleans), Luka Doncic (Dallas) and Nikola Jokic (Denver).

Per the NBA, Paul George won the fan vote tiebreaker over Anthony Davis to earn the last frontcourt All-Star starting spot out of the Western Conference. pic.twitter.com/GjWoymIX1S

— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) January 25, 2019

The Eastern Conference will be captained by Milwaukee MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Australia’s Ben Simmons was left hoping he’ll be handed a bench spot after missing out on the starting back court to Boston’s Kyrie Irving and Charlotte’s Kemba Walker.

The 76ers star finished fourth among East guards — also trailing Miami’s Dwyane Wade after losing the fan vote tiebreaker.

Simmons’ Philadelphia teammate Joel Embiid and Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard filled out the East’s starting five.

kemba over ben simmons? LMAO

— Drew Corrigan (@Dcorrigan50) January 25, 2019

Biggest surprise from the All-Star announcement? The players voting Klay Thompson no. 11 among all guards in the West.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 25, 2019

Reserves for the game being played in Charlotte on February 18 are selected by coaches and will be named in one week. James and Antetokounmpo will then select their teams under a new format introduced last season.

Originally published as NBA All-Star Game: Western Conference starters revealed