LeBron James is officially headed to his 22nd straight All-Star Game, but the path there stirred up more than a few debates - and not without reason.
Last week, when the Western Conference All-Star starters were announced and LeBron’s name was missing, it looked like his streak might finally be in jeopardy. But on Sunday, the league named him a reserve, keeping the streak alive and the headlines coming.
On the surface, it’s a feel-good moment for one of the game’s all-time greats. But dig a little deeper, and there’s a glaring omission that’s hard to ignore: Kawhi Leonard.
Let’s be clear - Leonard’s season has been nothing short of elite. He’s averaging 27.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 35 games.
He’s been a two-way force, anchoring the Clippers on both ends of the floor and playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career. Compare that to LeBron, who’s putting up 21.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.8 rebounds across 31 games - still impressive, but not quite on Kawhi’s level this season.
And if you’re thinking team success might have tipped the scales in LeBron’s favor, that argument doesn’t hold much weight either. The Clippers and Lakers are neck and neck in the standings, both hovering around the Play-In zone. There’s no real separation there to justify one over the other based purely on wins and losses.
This isn’t the first time a Clippers standout has been on the wrong end of the All-Star selection process. Just last season, Norman Powell was having a breakout year, averaging 24.2 points on eye-popping 50/43/82 shooting splits over his first 45 games.
He was in the thick of the All-Star conversation - until LeBron, who had already been selected, waited until the day of the game to announce he wouldn’t play. Had that decision come earlier, Powell might’ve had a shot to step in.
Instead, the opportunity vanished.
Fast forward to this year, and it’s Kawhi who’s left out in the cold. And to make matters even more frustrating?
This year’s All-Star festivities are happening on the Clippers’ home court. It would’ve been a perfect moment for Leonard to be recognized in front of the home crowd, during one of the best individual seasons we’ve seen from him in years.
Now, is this LeBron’s fault? Not exactly.
He didn’t cast the votes. He didn’t make the final call.
And let’s be honest - leaving LeBron James off the All-Star roster entirely would’ve been a tough sell for the league. He’s still a global icon, and his presence brings eyeballs, ratings, and buzz.
From a marketing standpoint, his inclusion makes sense.
But from a basketball standpoint? Kawhi Leonard got snubbed. Plain and simple.
This is one of those moments where the NBA’s selection process - a mix of fan voting, media input, and coach decisions - shows its flaws. There should’ve been a way to get both LeBron and Kawhi into the game. Instead, one of the league’s most impactful performers is watching from the sidelines, while the All-Star Game unfolds on his own team’s floor.
Kawhi deserved better. And the league missed an opportunity to honor one of its most consistent and dominant players this season.