CLEVELAND, OH - January 24th, 2008 - Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has been voted as a starter to the 2008 Eastern Conference All-Star team by the fans, it was announced today by the NBA. James, with 2,108,831 total votes, was the second-leading vote-getter behind Celtics forward Kevin Garnett.

“It means a lot to me,” James said. “I work hard every summer to prepare myself to go out and play the game at a high level like I do every night and it’s recognized by the fans. The fans recognize the way I play the game and approach the game every night and I appreciate them for once again voting me as an All-Star starter. It’s going to be exciting.”

James joins Brad Daugherty (five times) and Mark Price (four times) as the only players in Cavaliers history to represent the team in four or more All-Star Games. James is the lone Cavalier to be named an all-star in four consecutive seasons. He joins Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Yao Ming as the only four players to have been selected as starters for each of the last four All-Star Games.

James’ 23.3 points per game average entering this year’s game is the highest average in NBA All-Star Game history for players with three or more appearances. Last year in Las Vegas, James posted 28 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Eastern Conference. In the 2006 All-Star Game, he became the youngest MVP in game history after totaling 29 points, six rebounds and two assists in the East’s 122-120 win in Houston. In three career All-Star appearances, James has averaged 23.3 points on .537 shooting, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

In 36 games played this season, James has averaged 29.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.03 steals per game. He leads the NBA in scoring and ranks eighth in assists per game and steals per game. James is currently on pace to join Michael Jordan (1988-89) and Oscar Robertson (five seasons) as the only three players to ever average at least those numbers in a season.

The 57th NBA All-Star Game will take place in New Orleans, LA on Sunday, February 17 at 8:00 p.m. ET.