Yesterday I talked about who I thought was deserving of an All-Star selection in the Eastern Conference, so if you missed that one, be sure you read that one too. Today I want to talk about who I think deserves to be an All-Star starter out West. I’m sure I’m going to offend someone with this one, just like yesterday, because there are a TON of players that deserve to be a starter, but didn’t make the cut in my eyes. Let’s get into it.
Damian Lillard
What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Dame Dolla? Year in and year out, he’s put on a show for us all, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Dame is 3rd in the league for points per game, averaging 29.6, along with 4.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. The Trailblazers are 10-8 right now, but they’re always in the games for the most part. Yes, sometimes they get blown out of the water, but those losses have come from teams like the Jazz and the Clippers, you know, some of the top teams in the league. Lillard has proved time and time again that he is an elite point guard in this league, and that he deserves to have respect put on his name. For the longest time, there was a point guard race between him, Steph Curry, and Kyrie Irving for who was the best point guard in the league. This year in particular, I think Dame has won that race. Steph Curry is obviously amazing, and Kyrie is good for as much as I hate to admit it, but Dame has come into this season with something to prove, and has delivered.
CJ McCollum
This. Is. The. Year. I’ve had enough of the CJ McCollum slander over the past five or so years. For years, CJ has just been seen as Dame’s sidekick, and part of me understands that. It isn’t because CJ isn’t great. It’s because Dame is an All-NBA player. CJ McCollum just shows up to work, plays his role, and shows up when needed. The past few years you could argue that he deserved to be an All-Star, and this year is no different. Averaging 26.7 points and 5 assists per game, McCollum has proved to be a lethal scorer and playmaker for the Trailblazers. It is a “pick your poison” situation in Portland. You want to double Lillard? You better be prepared for McCollum to drill a three in your eye (shooting 44% from deep, by the way.) This is the year that CJ gets his credit, and I say that it’s much overdue. I’m fully aware that CJ is out with an injury, which is really unfortunate. The All-Star game doesn’t have a date as of right now, so there is a chance that he’s able to come back to be a starter. He’s played so well this year that even an injury shouldn’t take this accolade away from him.
Paul George
PG13 certainly came into this season with something to prove to everyone. After the lackluster end to their season in The Bubble, and gaining the moniker “Pandemic P,” it only proved to be fuel to the fire that was the PG13 revenge tour. Paul George this year has been remarkably consistent with his offensive production for the Clippers. 24 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, not to mention that this is a “second fiddle” to Kawhi Leonard. PG and Kawhi have led the Clippers to a 16-5 record which is 1st in the West. I’ll save the jokes until the playoffs, but as for right now, PG has played very well in the regular season and should be considered as a starter for the All-Star team.
Nikola Jokic
If you want to talk numbers, look no further than The Joker. 25.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game has put Jokic squarely in the MVP conversation. It is so incredibly fun to watch Jokic and the Nuggets play basketball, that you can’t help but love him as a player. Flashy passes, always makes the right reads, makes everyone’s head turn when he’s on the court. There isn’t anything to hate about the way that Jokic plays, unless you really love defense for whatever reason, then I would understand the hate. Jokic and Joel Embiid have really taken a huge leap this year in their production, and it has been a fun battle for “Who is the best Big in the League?” All I want is for another chapter to unfold at the All-Star game.
LeBron James
Of course, right? What kind of All-Star game would it be without LeBron James? Going on his 18th year in the league, LeBron is back to MVP levels of play. The 16x All-Star is clearly on his way to #17 with 25.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. I’ve said it before, but in case you missed it, I don’t even think this is LeBron’s full potential. I honestly think he’s coasting, and saving some to get ring #5. Even if LeBron wasn’t having a great year like he always does, he’d make it. It only goes to show that he’ll make another All-Star team on merit alone. I’d say before it’s all said and done, that he’ll have about 21 All-Star selections, so here’s to one more step towards history.
Round The Game 
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