On Thursday night, the 2022 NBA All-Star Game starters were announced. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was named captain of the Western Conference while Kevin Durant got the nod in the Eastern Conference.

There were not any shockers. But there were certainly a couple of players who didn't quite make the cut that you could make the argument for. They'll certainly make the team, but there is a certain level of pride and recognition that comes with being named a starter.

Four biggest snubs from 2022 NBA All-Star Game starters

4. Chris Paul 

Admittedly, this argument is not based on statistics. The Phoenix Suns starting point guard might not have the same flashy numbers as some other point guards in the Western Conference, but it is hard to argue against Paul's importance and efficiency.

Paul is having another stellar season. Despite only averaging 15.0 points per game, he is dropping 10.1 assists per outing. That is tied for the best in the NBA. He is shooting 49% from the floor and is third in the NBA with 1.9 steals per game.

The Suns likely will enter the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA. Much of that has to do with Paul at the helm.

3. Zach LaVine

The Chicago Bulls shooting guard is following up his career year with another stellar campaign in 2021-2022. He is posting 25 points per game, to go along with just under five rebounds and five assists.

NBA legend Charles Barkley agrees with this sentiment.

In order for LaVine to make the starting squad, he likely would have to take the place of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. That's not an easy switch, but an argument can clearly be made. Young struggled out of the gates this season, so much so that the Atlanta Hawks are still fighting for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament.

Meanwhile, LaVine, alongside DeMar DeRozan, has the Bulls sitting atop the Eastern Conference.

2. James Harden

The Brooklyn Nets superstar point guard clearly has a case. He has fantastic numbers, of course. He is posting 23 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds per game. Harden's all-around play has been on display all season once again.

Another feather in his cap is the fact that he has had to carry much of the load for the Nets. Kyrie Irving is not eligible to play home games and just started being allowed to play road games. Durant recently was injured and will be out for at least the next month. He also missed a handful of other games due to COVID-19 and other issues.

Until the recent stretch of poor play, Harden still helped the Nets to be at or near the top of the Eastern Conference.

1. Luka Doncic

This last one was arguably the one spot no one really knew how it would shake out. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant earned the starting spot. It's hard to say he didn't deserve it. But it's possible the voters have a recency bias.

Doncic has been incredibly consistent. The Dallas Mavericks star is averaging over 25 points per game, to go along with just under nine rebounds and nine assists. He is almost averaging a triple-double, with over a steal per game to boot. Kristaps Porzingis has been inconsistent, leaving Doncic to help the Mavericks climb the standings in the Western Conference.