LeBron James remains All-Star vote leader
LeBron James remains on top.
James continues to be the leading All-Star vote getter, holding a slim advantage over Western Conference stars Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis. Below is the full list of the second returns in All-Star voting, which the NBA released Saturday.
There were no significant changes from the first returns, which were released Christmas Day, but some minor moves occurred.
Pau Gasol and Carmelo Anthony flip-flopped spots among Eastern Conference forwards, while Chicago Bulls teammates Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler did the same in the guard grouping.
Rose's injuries and mediocrity this season have clearly turned voters off, as the former MVP sits in sixth place, well behind some of the conference's other star point guards. The career seasons currently being enjoyed by John Wall and Kyle Lowry have further hurt Rose's chances of making the All-Star Game.
Injuries and a loaded Western Conference have also hurt Kevin Durant, who has made it to five consecutive All-Star Games. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar wasn't able to make up any ground over the last week and remains in the No. 5 spot in the West.
Durant has played in only 10 of the Thunder's 33 games, but he's produced when he's been able to take the court. The reigning MVP is averaging 24.5 points and scored a season-high 44 in a win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
All-Star starters for the Feb. 15 game in New York will be announced Jan. 22.