The NBA announced the starters for the 2021 All-Star Game on Thursday night and the big names were no surprise as LeBron James and Kevin Durant were named as captains. The biggest surprise to many was Luka Doncic being named a starter in the Western Conference over Damian Lillard.

However, the Portland Trail Blazers guard didn't seem too upset or surprised by his being left off the starting five (via Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report).

https://twitter.com/highkin/status/1362858885971808262?s=20

The West starters of LeBron, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokic, and Stephen Curry were no surprise to anybody. The final spot for the starters was certainly coming down to Lillard and Doncic.

Lillard has been on a tear to start the year and picked up where he left off in the NBA's bubble in Orlando. He's averaging 29.8 points with 4.4 boards and 7.7 assists and the Blazers are towards the top of the West.

As for Doncic, he's averaging 29.1 points with 8.6 rebounds and 9.4 dimes on the year while his Dallas Mavericks team has been one of the biggest disappointments early on with a sub-.500 record.

The case between the two is extremely close and it's difficult to pick. Lillard doesn't seem upset in his statement, although being named a starter would've been a huge accomplishment for him. In fact, Lillard lost out on the starting spot because of the number of fan votes.

Lillard had his own thoughts on the All-Star Game with many of the stars voicing their opinions and frustrations of having to play the game in the midst of the pandemic. He will be playing in the game and already announced his participation in the pregame 3-point contest.

Damian Lillard should have been the starter over Luka Doncic, although it's so hard to leave either player off of the starting five with the seasons they've had thus far. However, Luka gets the honors, and Dame will have to wait another year.