LeBron James Leads in 2023 All Star Final Fan Returns, Giannis Overtakes Durant

• LeBron James is the overall leader in the third and final 2023 NBA All-Star fan returns
• James led all the way and is on track to be captain for the 6th straight time
• Giannis Antetonkounmpo leapfrogged Kevin Durant in the East

LeBron James was at top among all vote-getters for the 2023 All-Star final returns from the fan vote. Giannis Antetokounmpo overtook Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference, while Steph Curry leads among all guards in the NBA.

The All-Star weekend will be held on February 19th in Salt Lake City and the Lakers star is on track to become captain for the sixth straight time.

The 38-year-old is set to make a record-equaling 19th All-Star appearance as edges close to retirement after a hugely successful career in the NBA. James is also expected to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA's all-time scoring list next month.

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James has led in all the returns so far, which is a testament to his popularity after 20 seasons in the league.

James All-Star leader

James is the voting leader, with 6,506,682 votes. He has been a captain in the last five All-Star games when the NBA introduced the new system where leading vote-getters from the Eastern and Western conferences get to pick their rosters.

In the West frontcourt players James tops the list while Denver's Nikola Jokic remains second (4,718,218). Lakers' Anthony Davis remained third (3,838,171).

Antetokounmpo had 5,970,196 votes leapfrogging Durant who is 132,014 votes behind, with 5,838,182.

Boston Celtic's Jayson Tatum is third with 4,521,414 votes, while Embiid has 4,318,035. Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry leads among all guards with 5,151,822 votes. Dallas' Luka Doncic is second among West guards with 4,905,655 votes.

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Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving still leads with 3,968,041 votes among East guards while and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell is second with 3,851,233 votes.

James on how Lakers can cope

Sports Brief earlier reported on James explaining what the Lakers can do to cope without injured players like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.

After losing to the Sacramento Kings, James dissected the Lakers' struggles. He said since the team is depleted, they will need to reduce errors in their game until their teammates get back.

The Lakers have lost four of their last five games and remain 13th in the West with a 20-25 record.