Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue echoed the sentiments of many NBA fans on the heels of Sunday’s 2026 All-Star Game reserves announcement.
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard was not among the 14 players picked by the league’s coaches for the midseason exhibition, an omission that Lue laments.
“It’s unfortunate. To me, he’s been the best player the last six weeks,” Lue told reporters, according to Clippers insider Mark Medina.
Leonard’s averaging a career-high 27.6 points across 35 games. His performances have helped the Clippers improve their record to 23-25 after a disastrous 5-16 start. He’s been named an All-Star on six previous occasions.
Western Conference reserves
Player Team ASG nods
Jamal Murray Nuggets 1
Anthony Edwards T-Wolves 4
Devin Booker Suns 5
LeBron James Lakers 22
Kevin Durant Rockets 16
Deni Avdija Trail Blazers 1
Chet Holmgren Thunder 1
“For the guys that got selected, it’s an honor, but I also think Kawhi should have been selected as well,” Lue added.
“He carried us to get out of the hole we were in. He and James (Harden) both.”
Harden was also not selected as one of the reserves for the West. Harden is averaging 25.4 points, his highest output since the 2019-20 campaign when he finished third in MVP voting.
Leonard and 11-time All-Star Harden are still eligible to be picked as injury replacements.
The Clippers are the host team for the 2026 All-Star Game, which takes place Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome.
