NBA All-Star Voting: LeBron Being Edged By Giannis

CLEVELAND, OH — Despite putting up MVP caliber numbers in his 15th NBA season, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is only getting the second most votes for the All-Star game. He is currently being edged by the ascendant Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Both men play the forward position.

Giannis has 863,416 votes, while James has received 856,080. That's a slim 7,336 margin, but one that represents the rising momentum behind Milwaukee's Greek-born superstar.

The 33-year-old James is putting together another incredible season, averaging 27.5 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game and 9.1 assists per game. LeBron has already been an All-Star 13 times in his decorated career.

Giannis' stats are nothing to balk at though. The so-called Greek Freak is putting up a tantalizing 29.1 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game and 4.7 assists per game. At 23-years-old many believe he is the heir apparent to James' best player in the league title.

This year's All-Star game will take place under a new format. Instead of the traditional East versus West game, which has historically been a somewhat lackadaisical exhibition with almost no defense, the NBA has instituted a new pick-up style rules system. Team rosters will now be chosen by captains from each conference. Captains will be the two top vote-getters from the West and East.

The other top vote getters among forwards and centers in the Eastern Conference are:

• Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (433,161)
• Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks (359,459)

Leading the Eastern Conference guards are:

• Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics (802,834 )
• DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors (259,368)
• Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (251,886)

The top vote getting bigs and forwards in the Western Conference are:

1. Kevin Durant (GSW) 767,4022.
2. Anthony Davis (NOP) 393,000
3. DeMarcus Cousins (NOP) 356,340
4. Draymond Green (GSW) 325,612
5. Paul George (OKC) 291,495
6. Kawhi Leonard (SAS) 212,650
7. Carmelo Anthony (OKC) 194,239
8. Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) 188,240
9. Kyle Kuzma (LAL) 184,338
10. LaMarcus Aldridge (SAS) 153,599

Here are the top vote getting guards in the West:

1. Stephen Curry (GSW) 735,115
2. James Harden (HOU) 602,040
3. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 438,469
4. Klay Thompson (GSW) 359,442
5. Manu Ginobili (SAS) 231,460
6. Chris Paul (HOU) 174,343
7. Damian Lillard (POR) 148,622
8. Lonzo Ball (LAL) 120,817
9. Devin Booker (PHO) 91,562
10. Jimmy Butler (MIN) 88,009

Photo from AP Photo/Charles Krupa