Clippers Snubbed from 2026 All-Star Game Despite Hosting in Inglewood
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is headed to Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, but the hometown team won’t be represented on the court - and that’s raising more than a few eyebrows across the league.
Despite a dramatic midseason turnaround and standout performances from their stars, the Los Angeles Clippers were completely shut out of this year’s All-Star selections. No Kawhi Leonard.
No James Harden. Not even a nod for their rising young core.
For a team hosting the league’s marquee midseason event, the silence is deafening.
A Historic Turnaround, Ignored
Let’s start with the context. The Clippers have done something no team in NBA history has managed: start a season 3-16 and then flip the script to go 16-3.
That’s not just a hot streak - that’s a franchise reawakening. With the veteran leadership of Leonard and Harden and a youth infusion from Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders, the Clippers have clawed their way back into the Western Conference playoff picture, now sitting in ninth place.
This isn’t a team limping into All-Star Weekend. This is a team that’s found its identity, its rhythm, and its edge. And yet, not a single All-Star nod.
Kawhi’s Case: Consistency, Efficiency, Dominance
Kawhi Leonard’s omission is especially hard to justify. Since November 28, he’s scored at least 20 points in every game - a stretch of consistency few players in the league can match. He dropped a career-high 55 points on December 28 and is currently averaging 27.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s doing it efficiently. Leonard is in the midst of a 50/40/90 season while anchoring the Clippers on both ends of the floor.
According to head coach Tyronn Lue, “Kawhi, to me, the last six weeks, has been the best player in the NBA.” That’s not hyperbole.
That’s a coach watching his star carry a team back from the brink.
Leonard is a two-time Finals MVP and six-time All-Star. This year, he’s arguably been better than ever. And yet, no invite.
Harden’s Resurgence Overlooked
James Harden, an 11-time All-Star and one of the most accomplished guards of his generation, also finds himself on the outside looking in. The LA native has been a critical part of the Clippers’ resurgence, helping stabilize the offense and create opportunities for teammates. He may not be putting up the gaudy scoring totals of his Houston days, but his impact is undeniable - especially in the context of the team’s turnaround.
Plenty of fans and analysts didn’t hold back on social media. From HoopsHype to ESPN to CBS Sports, the consensus was clear: Leonard and Harden were snubbed. Some pointed out that LeBron James - who made the team as a reserve - has had a less productive season statistically than either Clipper, and questioned whether reputation outweighed performance in the voting process.
The All-Star Roster: Who Made It
Here’s a look at who did make the cut in the Western Conference:
Starters
- Stephen Curry (Warriors)
- Luka Dončić (Lakers)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Reserves
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Fans also expressed surprise that other players - including Joel Embiid, Dillon Brooks, and Michael Porter Jr. - didn’t make the cut.
A Small Silver Lining
While Leonard and Harden won’t be suiting up on Sunday, the Clippers won’t be entirely absent from All-Star Weekend. Rookie Yanic Niederhäuser was selected for the 2026 Castro Rising Stars game, offering at least one bright spot for the home crowd.
Looking Ahead: All-Star Weekend in LA
The NBA’s biggest weekend tips off February 12-15, with events split between Inglewood and downtown Los Angeles. Sunday’s All-Star Game will feature a new USA vs. World format, set to debut at 2 p.m. on February 15 at the Intuit Dome.
But for Clippers fans, the excitement will be bittersweet. Hosting the All-Star Game without a single player on the court? That’s a tough pill to swallow - especially when two of the league’s most respected veterans are playing some of their best basketball in years.
The Clippers have made their case on the court. The All-Star voters just weren’t listening.