In a season already filled with storylines surrounding the James family, Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James added another curious chapter Monday when voting results revealed he received two votes from fellow NBA players to start in the 2026 All-Star Game.
The revelation came from Associated Press NBA writer Tim Reynolds, who noted on X that James, the 21-year-old second-year player averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 assists in limited action, garnered the nods despite minimal court time. Reynolds also reported that four players voted for Detroit Pistons forward Isaac Jones, who has totaled just five points this season.
There are two NBA players voted for Bronny James to start the NBA All-Star Game. Another four voted for Isaac Jones, who has scored five points this season.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 19, 2026
Player votes account for 25% of the starter selection process, alongside fan (50%) and media (25%) ballots. The full starters for the Feb. 15 game at Intuit Dome were announced Monday, with Eastern Conference selections including Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, New York’s Jalen Brunson, Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid. In the West: Dallas’ Luka Doncic (top overall vote-getter with 3,402,967 fan votes), Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.
But the intrigue lies in those two anonymous player votes for Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James, whose own streak of 21 consecutive All-Star starts ended this year. Voting is confidential, leaving fans, media and even players to speculate on the identities.
Social media buzzed with theories shortly after Reynolds’ post. Many pointed to LeBron James himself and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, a longtime friend and business associate of the elder James. One X user suggested, “Obviously Bron and Draymond voted for Bronny lol,” echoing a common sentiment. Others theorized Bronny James and his father cast the ballots, though NBA rules allow players to vote for teammates but prohibit self-votes in some contexts.
A Reddit discussion floated Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown as a possible voter, citing his past comments questioning Bronny James’ NBA readiness — perhaps as a tongue-in-cheek jab. “My guess is that it was Jaylen Brown,” one commenter wrote. “It’s a good narrative because he’s a Celtic.”
NBA players have a history of playful or protest votes in All-Star balloting. In past years, ballots have included nods to low-minute players like Zaza Pachulia or even retired figures, highlighting how some treat the process lightly. This year, Indiana’s Jay Huff received 11 starter votes despite modest stats, per reports.
The league does not disclose individual ballots, so the mystery may persist unless a player steps forward. Bronny James, who has split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Neither did LeBron James or Green.
For now, the votes serve as a lighthearted footnote in a voting cycle that also saw Bronny James rank 46th in fan voting — ahead of several established players but far from starter contention. As one X post quipped, “The NBA is a complete joke smh.”
The reserves, selected by coaches, will be announced later this month. Whether the anonymous voters reveal themselves remains to be seen, but in the social media era, secrets don’t always stay hidden.
