Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo have solidified their status as fan favorites, maintaining their leads in the second round of NBA All-Star fan voting. Their hold on the top spots signals not just elite individual performance but a deep connection with the global basketball audience as the selection process enters its final stretch.
The 2025-26 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be a showcase of international talent, with Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge. The second fan voting returns, released eight days after the first, confirm the initial trends: star power and consistent excellence are driving the ballot.
The Unshaken Leaders
Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, has amassed a staggering 2,229,811 votes. His move to Los Angeles, following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas, has only amplified his visibility and appeal. He is currently the league’s scoring leader, averaging 33.7 points per game, and has already recorded six 40-point performances this season. His historic start, becoming the fourth player ever to open a season with consecutive 40-point games, has clearly resonated with fans.
Antetokounmpo, the cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks2,092,284 votes. Despite the Bucks’ underwhelming 16-20 record and his own stint on the sidelines with a calf injury, his individual dominance remains unquestioned. In 22 games, he is averaging 29.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, a testament to his all-around game and relentless energy.
The Shifting Landscape Beneath the Top
While the top two spots remain locked, the second returns revealed a significant shift in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has surged past Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers to claim the second spot among East guards. Brunson’s phenomenal play since early December, where he has averaged over 31 points per game, has captured the attention of the league and voters alike.
The voting structure gives fans 50% of the say in selecting the five starters for each conference. The remaining 50% is split evenly between NBA players (25%) and a select media panel (25%). This multi-faceted approach is designed to balance popular appeal with professional recognition of on-court impact.
Top 10 Vote-Getters (Second Returns)
- Luka Dončić (Lakers) — 2,229,811
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) — 2,092,284
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets) — 1,998,560
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks) — 1,916,497
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers) — 1,908,978
- Stephen Curry (Warriors) — 1,844,903
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons) — 1,752,801
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) — 1,554,468
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) — 1,530,237
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics) — 1,514,259
What the Votes Really Mean
This fan vote is more than a popularity contest; it’s a barometer of a player’s connection to the sport’s global audience. Dončić’s lead underscores his status as one of the most electrifying talents of his generation, whose game translates perfectly to the All-Star stage’s highlight-reel nature. Antetokounmpo’s position, despite team struggles, reaffirms his enduring superstar appeal and the respect he commands for his transformational career.
The presence of international stars like Dončić, Antetokounmpo, Jokić, and Gilgeous-Alexander high on the list also highlights the NBA’s continued global expansion. These players are not just stars in their home countries but beloved figures across the world, driving engagement from a massive international fanbase.
The Road to the All-Star Game
Voting continues until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The league has designated “3-for-1 Days,” where each fan vote counts triple, with the final such day occurring on the last day of voting. This creates a potential for last-minute surges from players on the bubble.
The starters will be officially announced on January 19 during a broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The All-Star Game itself is scheduled for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers’ new Intuit Dome. The league is set to debut another new format, a USA vs. World round-robin tournament, adding a fresh layer of national pride to the exhibition.
For the players, especially those like Brunson and Maxey who are jockeying for position, the final week of voting is critical. A starting spot is a significant career milestone and a recognition of a player’s standing among peers, media, and fans.
The final fan returns confirm that the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be headlined by the league’s most transcendent talents. The consistency of Dončić and Antetokounmpo at the top signals a predictable yet deserved outcome, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable showcase in Los Angeles.
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