LeBron picks Durant first for NBA All-Star game

LOS ANGELES – LeBron James opted for Golden State star Kevin Durant with the first pick of the All-Star draft on Thursday (Friday Manila time).

James, who will lead a team against fellow All-Star captain Giannis Antetokounmpo's roster on February 17, assembled a formidable-looking starting lineup.

After choosing Durant first, James then added former Cleveland teammate Kyrie Irving to his squad.

In-form Toronto star Kawhi Leonard was picked third by James before he selected reigning MVP James Harden with his fourth pick. 

New Orleans Pelicans ace Anthony Davis — linked to a move to the Los Angeles Lakers before the trade deadline closed Thursday — head James' reserves. 

Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Karl-Anthony Towns and Bradley Beal complete the squad.

James then added close friend Dwyane Wade with the NBA's "special selection".

Rival captain Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, selected Durant's Golden State teammate Stephen Curry with the second overall pick.

The Milwaukee Bucks star then selected Philadelphia's Joel Embiid before adding Paul George and Kemba Walker.

Khris Middleton, Nikola Jokic, Ben Simmons, Blake Griffin, D'Angelo Russell, Nikola Vucevic and Kyle Lowry make up the reserves.

Antetokounmpo added Dirk Nowitzki as his special selection.

All Star Squads:

Team LeBron:

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden; Reserves: Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bradley Beal:

Special pick: Dwyane Wade

Team Giannis:

Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kemba Walker; Reserves: Khris Middleton, Nikola Jokic, Ben Simmons, Blake Griffin, D'Angelo Russell, Nikola Vucevic, Kyle Lowry

Special pick: Dirk Nowitzki