Right before the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers tipped off in Thursday night’s game—which the Lakers won 129-128 thanks to Rajon Rondo—the teams for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game were selected by Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.
To fill out his starting lineup, LeBron James drafted Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving—who he took second after drafting Durant.
The first thing to jump out is James and Irving are back together again for the weekend (also alongside Anthony Davis, who James drafted as a reserve). Not exactly the most comforting scenario for Celtics fans.
The other thing that jumps out: Antetokounmpo doesn’t know how to draft well. The scales are definitely tipped towards Team LeBron following the draft, which explains Irving’s reaction.
“Yo, that’s a great five, that’s a great five,” Irving told reporters after learning who he’d play with. “I’m excited. Just to be an all-star, being picked by the fans, the media, I’m truly grateful.”
Apparently, it didn’t register when reporters first told Irving Harden was on the team, as well. He was pleased with the reminder.
“It’s a pretty exciting time but I’m not trying to look too far ahead,” Irving told reporters.
Irving still has three more games before playing with his All-Star team on February 17 in Charlotte, the next being on Saturday against the Clippers.
