Fresh off being named the cover athlete for NBA 2K26, Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has sparked debate with his personal picks for an all-time NBA 2K starting lineup.
During a promotional appearance tied to the game’s release, Gilgeous-Alexander shared his dream starting five. Predictably, legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan made the cut. But what caught fans off guard was the absence of one of the most decorated players in league history: LeBron James.
Leaving James out ignited a wave of reactions from NBA fans online, many of whom felt the four-time champion and all-time leading scorer deserved a spot. While Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t elaborate on the omission, it has fueled offseason chatter and sparked fresh conversations around NBA 2K’s historic rosters.
Despite the controversy, his lineup wasn’t lacking in talent. Names like Allen Iverson, who Gilgeous-Alexander slotted in at point guard, may surprise some — especially with all-time greats like Stephen Curry or Magic Johnson available. At center, he went with Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force in his prime, though that too stirred opinions among fans who favor legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, or Bill Russell.
Beyond the lineup debate, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to enjoy a breakout year. He graces the cover of the NBA 2K26 Standard Edition, while Angel Reese and Carmelo Anthony also appear on the game’s special editions. Reese stars on the WNBA Edition, a U.S. GameStop exclusive, after a standout rookie campaign. Anthony, recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, is featured on the Superstar Edition. All three athletes appear together on the high-end “Leave No Doubt Edition.”
NBA 2K26 officially releases on September 5, 2025. Those who purchase the Superstar or Leave No Doubt Editions will receive early access starting August 29. The game will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and both Nintendo Switch platforms, though premium editions are limited to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the collaboration with NBA 2K is more than just marketing; it’s part of his growing influence on and off the court. Calling the opportunity “iconic,” the Thunder star said he’s proud to play a role in shaping the game’s culture and representing the next generation of talent.
