The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, and All-Star voting reflects that. The West has some very talented players, and chances are, there will be some snubs.
The Five players that should be All-Star starters:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the NBA’s top young guards. He continues to impress every year, and this season, he is playing exceptionally well. Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.4 points (which makes him third in the league), 6.4 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 steals. His play this season has helped Oklahoma City tremendously, as they are second in the West (with a record of 23-10). Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an elite level, and deserves All-Star recognition. Gilgeous-Alexander is currently third in voting for West Coast guards. Stephen Curry (who averages 27.7 points, 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds) is the frontrunner in West guards, and could make the game over Gilgeous-Alexander. This shows how competitive the West can get .
Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks): Luka Doncic remains one of the league’s top players. He averages 33.7 points, 9.3 assists and 8.2 rebounds. The Dallas Mavericks are currently in the play-in tournament race with a record 20-15. If Doncic continues to play at a high level, the Mavericks could get out of the play-in race and go secure a playoff spot. Doncic leads the West guards in votes.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): LeBron James is no stranger to All-Star. He is a 19-time All-Star, and has been team captain multiple times in the past few years. James averages 25.0 points, 7.4 assists and 7.3 rebounds. The Lakers are currently 10th in the West and like the Mavericks, are in the play-in tournament race. Regardless of where they stand, James is playing well and will most likely be an All-Star. James leads the West frontcourt (and the West period) in votes with 2,008,645.
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns): Kevin Durant remains a force. He averages 29.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and six assists. The Phoenix Suns are ninth in the West with a record of 18-16. They are another team in the play-in tournament race, although they were considered contenders going into the season. Regardless, Durant is playing well. He also has a strong chance at being an All-Star, as he is second in West frontcourt votes with 1,807,394.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): Nikola Jokic is an exceptionally skilled center. He led his team to a championship last year, and this year, the Nuggets are looking to repeat. Jokic will be key in their success. Jokic averages 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds and 9.1 assists Jokic is third in West frontcourt voting with 1,636,041 votes. Jokic should have no problem closing out the West frontcourt.
The Western Conference can be tough, and with time remaining, it will be interesting to see if things stay the same.