LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo announced as captains for the NBA All-Star Game, while fans scratch heads as Damian Lillard is also named a starter

The NBA All-Star Game starters were announced on Thursday night – and the squads were mostly devoid of surprises as LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were chosen to captain the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively.

Rounding out the rest of the West roster is Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

However, there was some minor controversy in the East as Damian Lillard was chosen to start alongside Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton.

Lillard is averaging 25.3 points and 6.8 assists per game but is shooting just 42.6 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three – which would be the second-worst mark of his career over a full season. 

Fans were quick to criticize the choice online, with many saying the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson or Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell – who are both averaging more points and shooting more efficiently – should have started instead. 

LeBron James was named an All-Star for a staggering 20th time in his career on Thursday

Fans were quick to criticize the selection of Lillard as a starter for the All-Star Game

The All-Star Game starters are voted on by fans, players and media, with fans accounting for 50 percent of the vote and the other two groups each making up 25 percent.

James and Antetokounmpo both finished first in their respective conference’s voting, making them captains.

It’s the 20th time James has been an All-Star in his career, while it’s the eighth nod for Antetokounmpo.

The East and West teams will also welcome seven reserves each, with those players set to be announced on February 1.

The likes of Brunson, Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey are widely expected to be on the East squad, while Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard are strong bets to represent the West.