Several fans were left scratching their heads when LeBron James was named a 2026 NBA All-Star over one of his longtime rivals.
James was among the seven players listed as a reserve for the Western Conference on Sunday, alongside Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, Kevin Durant, Chet Holmgren, Devin Booker, and Deni Avdija. The moment marked the first time in LeBron’s career that he would come off the bench in an All-Star game.
With James’ counting stats down across the board this season, his inclusion instantly became a topic of conversation. Several fans believes James undeservingly made it over Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
LeBron making this year’s All-Star team over Kawhi is simply absurd.
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 1, 2026
I'm a well-known LeBron stan, but LeBron over Kawhi for an All-Star slot is a flat out farce. If you want to get LeBron into the game through injury replacement or special commissioner selection, fine, but Kawhi has been significantly better than him this year. pic.twitter.com/dJK1E7iMXN
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 1, 2026
The NBA ROBBED Kawhi to make LeBron an All-Star 😭 pic.twitter.com/qtBSYZOPoQ
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 1, 2026
dude what is even the rationale for LeBron over Kawhi https://t.co/yCMeUOI5uJ
— 𝙻🇧🇧 (@HornetsRuinedMe) February 1, 2026
James has averaged 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 50.2% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range. Aside from assists, Leonard has matched or outperformed James in every statistical category.
The Klaw has averaged 27.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and an NBA-best 2.1 steals, while shooting 49.6% from the floor and nearly 40% from beyond the arc.
Leonard has also led the league in free throw percentage (93.6%) and has played more games than James through the midway point of the season.
While James has still played well for his age, it’s tough to justify that he deserved to be the Lakers’ second All-Star in a crowded West pool. But given James’ star power, it’s no surprise the head coaches who voted for the reserves list found a way to get him in.
