LeBron James’ All-Star Streak Continues Thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s $48 Million Deal, Says Insider

Kawhi Leonard's performances saw him have a greater chance to make it as a 2026 All-Star reserve instead of LeBron James.

LeBron James’ All-Star Streak Continues Thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s $48 Million Deal, Says Insider

Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

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This season, there were two tales that dominated basketball debates. One was LeBron James‘ topsy-turvy 23rd season, and the other was Kawhi Leonard playing exceptionally well.

Even though the latter missed ten games in November, it was not the cause of the Clippers’ struggles. Instead, most of the blame was pinned on Chris Paul for negatively affecting the locker room.

Ever since the latter was released, the franchise has seen an uptick in form, winning 17 of its 21 games so far. However, no one can count out the stellar performances Kawhi Leonard has been producing during that stretch.

Routinely exploding for game-high numbers, his effort has rubbed off on his team, and they are now back in the hunt for a playoff spot, even though they still have to win quite a lot of games to get there.

Usually, such team-altering performances, along with heady statistics, are enough to garner an All-Star call. Instead, the Klaw lost out to LeBron James, who did not tally numbers close to him or positively affect his team.

The reaction within the league has been kind of universal between the executives that I’ve talked to, which is Kawhi Leonard doesn’t make the team… The game is obviously at Intuit Dome. And the wonder is, did he not make this team because the coaches didn’t vote for him because of the accusations of the improper contract?

Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today

The longtime analyst did not mention it explicitly, but it is clear he was referring to the $48 million Aspiration deal Kawhi Leonard signed. That may have been the coaches’ way of ‘punishing’ the superstar.

LeBron James’ time with the Lakers is almost over

Kawhi Leonard being entangled in a scandal was probably a blessing in disguise for LeBron James, as the latter managed to get his 22nd All-Star call-up. Since this was in Los Angeles, it makes sense for the city’s biggest superstar to play in front of their fans.

LeBron James might not be with the Lakers beyond this season
LeBron James might not be with the Lakers beyond this season (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

However, there is growing concern that this might be the last time the 41-year-old plays in an All-Star game with the purple and gold patch on his jersey.

The Lakers are ready to move on from LeBron James, and I think LeBron James is ready to move on from the Lakers as well. That’s kind of the foregone sentiment in Los Angeles right now about what’s to come this summer.

Jake Fischer mentioned on Bleacher Report

The Insider revealed on the show that the Lakers were supposed to be looking for impactful wings this trade deadline. However, the options did not make sense as they needed to shell out draft capital and take on sizeable salaries.

With the King gone, they will have a chunk of cash to sign impending free agents. After the fiasco involving the article exposing franchise governor Jeanie Buss‘ true feelings, the belief is that the superstar will look to sign elsewhere.

LeBron James’ chemistry with Lakers teammates evident from one clip

Even though LeBron James‘ relationship with Jeanie Buss and the rest of the Lakers’ top brass might have been allegedly fractured, his chemistry with his teammates seems to be intact.

After having some moments with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and others, many still doubted how the four-time league MVP was with the other players.

A clip published by Bleacher Report shows a sequence captured by a fan where LeBron James first launches the ball straight up in the air.

As it lands on the court and takes a bounce, the oldest player in the league moves in to catch it. But what was surprising was that almost every other Lakers’ player on the court bent down in sync.

The only exceptions were Doncic and Maxi Kleber, who were performing a soccer drill, and Jake LaRavia, who was busy going through his warmups. If anything, this proves how connected they are with their veteran.

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