For those unfamiliar with the All-Star starter selection process, fans make up 50% of the vote for two guards and three frontcourt players (forward or center) for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. Current NBA players account for 25% and a media panel accounts for 25%. Players can vote for themselves, by the way.

Starters for the Eastern and Western Conference teams were announced Thursday on TNT. Who made the cut and who was snubbed for the Feb. 16 game?

The players announced to start for the Western Conference are Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

Giannis, LeBron, and others make the list. Popularity shapes selections, overlooking rising stars like Lamelo Ball.