Kawhi was overlooked for the 2026 NBA All-Star reserves despite achieving his career-best statistics, while LeBron prolonged his streak to 22 seasons, igniting discussions regarding the selection method.
On Sunday, the NBA announced the 2026 All-Star reserves, and while the Eastern Conference selections hardly surprised anyone, the Western Conference caused quite a stir.
In what way? Indeed, Kawhi Leonard isn’t an All-Star.
At first glance, the Western reserves appear to be secure. Anthony Edwards? Of course. Jamal Murray? Okay. Kevin Durant? Clearly.
However, upon further examination, the absence of Leonard transitions from unexpected to inexcusable.
Chet Holmgren. Devin Booker. Deni Avdija. And indeed — LeBron James.
All are names chosen over a player who is quietly assembling one of the finest seasons of his career while guiding a Clippers team that has dominated opponents for nearly two months
The intriguing situation of ‘The Klaw’
No offense to LeBron, but ‘The King’ has displayed the finest basketball that any 40+ year-old athlete could dream of playing at this level.
However, Leonard, in contrast, has been on a streak that has single-handedly rejuvenated a Clippers squad that was collapsing without him.
‘The Klaw’ is scoring an average of 27.7 points each game, which is a personal best. He’s teasing the rare 50/40/90 club, tops the league in free-throw percentage (93.6%), and ranks first in steals per game (2.1).
In contrast, LBJ’s All-Star streak has now reached an impressive 22 straight seasons.
LeBron is scoring 21.9 points, grabbing 5.8 rebounds and providing 6.6 assists. Strong statistics — yet obviously a level beneath Leonard, who is also securing more rebounds (6.1), scoring nearly six additional points each game, and performing at a significantly greater efficiency.
Moreover, Kawhi’s defensive skills significantly surpass what The King delivers consistently.
The durability argument falls short as well: Kawhi has participated in 34 games while LeBron has played 30.
If you wish to discuss records, that’s okay. The Lakers clearly have a superior record in the West (29-19), while the Clippers (23-25) are barely clinging to a play-in position at the moment.
However, take both players away from their teams, and what do you end up with? This season: a 11-6 record for the Lakers without LeBron, and a disappointing 4-9 record for the Clippers without Kawhi.
Indeed, Kawhi is still facing scrutiny due to a continued NBA probe into possible salary-cap violations related to the Clippers. However, if this slight is linked — either directly or indirectly — it sets a hazardous precedent.
It’s safe to say that the All-Star Game without LeBron would seem unusual. However, LeBron surpassed Kawhi by the narrowest of margins. Neither statistically, nor defensively, nor in terms of impact.
Leonard is experiencing an All-NBA year. He ought to be an All-Star.
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