Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving, the 2014 All Star Game MVP, might not get a spot on this year's team.

(Bill Haber, Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Going to the NBA All-Star Game has become part of Kyrie Irving's yearly routine. But his streak of three straight appearances in the annual showcase is in jeopardy after Toronto's Kyle Lowry nudged him out of his customary Eastern Conference starting spot.

"He deserves it, man," Irving said of Lowry. "It was going to be either way -- whether I made it or not -- it was going to be the same reaction from me. Just, either it would be good to be there in Toronto (or) like I said, he deserves it."

One week ago, Irving was leading Lowry in fan voting by about 32,000 votes. But in a replay of last season when Lowry overtook Miami's Dwyane Wade before voting closed, the Raptors' talented point guard made up the gap, finishing with nearly 66,000 more votes than Irving.

The stats seem to back up the results.

On the season, Lowry is averaging 20.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.2 steals in 42 games. Irving, who returned from a knee injury on Dec. 20 against Philadelphia, is averaging career lows in points (16.1), assists (3.9), rebounds (2.9), field goal percentage (41.9) and three-point percentage (29.2).

The drop in numbers, however, hasn't changed LeBron James' belief in Irving's worthiness. James tried using the power of his social media to give his two teammates, Irving and Kevin Love, an extra push. It didn't work. But reserve spots are still up for grabs.

"We hope we get as many guys in," James said. "I think Kev (Kevin Love) has shown what he's capable of doing this year, and obviously not even this year, but over the course of a few years. And Kyrie is definitely an All-Star. But we'll see. It's unfortunate that Ky wasn't able to get voted in but hopefully the coaches recognize his value to our team, as well as Love."

With Lowry in the starting lineup, he has the chance to be the focal point of the weekend, playing in front of Toronto fans. Meanwhile, Irving's fate is in the hands of NBA coaches. They'll decide on the seven reserves next Thursday, choosing two guards, three frontcourt players and two players regardless of position.

"Honestly, me as a principled man, seeing it from a broader perspective, I wouldn't be mad at all," Irving said when asked if he was resigned to not making it as a backup. "Personally, I don't feel like I deserve it just from the amount of games that I've played and the body of work."

Irving missed the first 26 games this season, continuing to recover from surgery on his fractured left kneecap. He's had some flashy moments since, but is still seeking consistency.

"I'm still making up ground now," Irving said. "So, my main focus is just being there for my teammates and getting better every single day."

In a matchup against Chris Paul on Thursday night, Irving scored 21 points and dished out four assists in 29 minutes, showing off the skills that make James a believer. But there's some steep competition in the East backcourt.

Toronto's DeMar DeRozan, the league's 10th leading scorer and one of the pillars of an improved Raptors team, has a claim to one of the spots. Chicago's Jimmy Butler has morphed into one of the premier two-way players in the NBA. There's also John Wall, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Month. And Boston's Isaiah Thomas and Kemba Walker are both enjoying breakout seasons.

"There are guys that have been playing the whole entire season and are more deserving than I am," Irving said.

The talent is undeniable, and Irving has shown that he can shine among the league's brightest stars. But participating in the game is a yearly reward and Irving understands the challenge of nabbing one of those positions, especially when this year's portfolio doesn't stack up.

So now his attention shifts and not just to the remainder of the season.

Irving, alongside James and Cavs head coach David Blatt, have been leading the campaign to get Love back on the roster after he missed out last season.

That support continued following Thursday's 115-102 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, a game in which Love scored 18 points to go with 16 rebounds.

"Oh no, there's no doubt in my mind," Irving said when asked whether Love deserves to be one of the reserves. "He should be an All-Star, K-Love. Over these last two games, he's been incredible. We need him to continue to do that."