Despite a strong season from the LA superstar, he won't be able to represent the Clippers on their home turf for this year's All-Star Game
On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Clippers, head coach Tyronn Lue is simply disappointed about the exclusion of Kawhi Leonard from the final list of participating players for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
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As the reserves were officially announced on Sunday, Lue sympathized with Leonard in the wake of the Clippers superstar's stellar season.
“Yeah it was tough. I mean, congratulations to all the guys who made it. They all deserved it as well," Lue said before their matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
"But Kawhi, I think to me, over the last six weeks, has been the best player in the NBA."
But despite individual brilliance and lead role in the Clips' dramatic season turnaround, the star forward came up short from making it to the list.
It is an intriguing revelation, as this year's All-Star Game will be held in the Clippers' Intuit Dome and no LA player will be there.
Besides Leonard, James Harden is also a key snub for the Clippers. The star guard is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game.
"50-40-90, averaging 28 points a game, and what he’s done to bring this team out of a hole after we started 6-21, to be where we are today. It was just tough to see," Lue further added about Leonard being snubbed.
"I feel bad for Kawhi, but happy for all of the other guys who got selected.”
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