The 2026 NBA All-Star reserves were announced Sunday, and while several deserving names made the cut, one omission has sparked plenty of conversation-especially in Los Angeles. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue didn’t mince words when asked about Kawhi Leonard being left off the list.
“It’s unfortunate. To me, he’s been the best player the last six weeks,” Lue said, voicing what many around the league have been thinking.
And he’s not wrong. Leonard is quietly putting together one of the most efficient and impactful stretches of his career.
Through 35 games, he’s averaging a career-best 27.6 points per game, anchoring a Clippers team that’s clawed its way back into relevance after a brutal 5-16 start. Now sitting at 23-25, the Clippers have turned things around in large part due to Leonard’s steady dominance on both ends of the floor.
This would’ve been Leonard’s seventh All-Star selection, but instead, he’ll be watching from the sidelines-at least for now.
Here’s a look at the Western Conference reserves who were selected:
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets) - 1st selection
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) - 4th selection
- Devin Booker (Suns) - 5th selection
- LeBron James (Lakers) - 22nd selection
- Kevin Durant (Rockets) - 16th selection
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers) - 1st selection
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder) - 1st selection
Lue made it clear he’s happy for the players who made it, but he still believes Leonard’s impact warranted recognition.
“For the guys that got selected, it’s an honor,” Lue said. “But I also think Kawhi should have been selected as well.
He carried us to get out of the hole we were in. He and James both.”
James, of course, is James Harden-another Clippers star who didn’t get the All-Star nod despite averaging 25.4 points per game, his highest scoring mark since the 2019-20 season, when he was in the MVP conversation. Harden’s resurgence has been a key part of the Clippers’ midseason turnaround, and his chemistry with Leonard has been a driving force behind their climb.
Both Leonard and Harden are still eligible to be named as injury replacements, so there’s still a chance they’ll suit up when the league’s biggest stars hit the court.
And if they do, they won’t have to travel far. The 2026 All-Star Game is set for February 15 at the Clippers’ own Intuit Dome, giving fans in L.A. a front-row seat to the festivities-and perhaps, a shot at seeing their hometown heroes get the recognition many believe they’ve already earned.
For now, though, Leonard will keep doing what he does best: letting his game speak louder than any snub ever could.