Kawhi Leonard played a big role in Serge Ibaka becoming apart of the Los Angeles Clippers. Ibaka spent the last three seasons with the Toronto Raptors, winning the NBA championship in 2019, playing a key role for the Canadian team.
The Congolese-Spanish player is now ready to start a new chapter in his career with the Clippers, where he’s reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, the player that led the Raptors in their magical 2019 playoffs run that ended up with a title against the Golden State Warriors.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ibaka revealed the little conversation between him and Leonard and how the Klaw used his talents to persuade him to join the Clippers in free agency. Judging the results, Kawhi’s message was effective.
Kawhi Leonard's incredibly short message to recruit Serge Ibaka
When describing the moment, Ibaka revealed Leonard was short and precise, asking him if he was going to Los Angeles or not.
“Hey what’s up, bro? Are you coming or no?” Ibaka revealed during his media day.
This has been a recurrent practice for these two players. Ibaka and Leonard became very good friends in Canada, even recording one of the best and funniest NBA videos in recent times. But, when it comes to teaming up, they are very serious.
Last year, Ibaka revealed a conversation with Leonard after he decided to join the Clippers, supporting his former teammate but letting him know he wasn’t so thrilled with the shocking decision.
"After he made his decision, we spoke on the phone," Ibaka said. "I said 'you know what, bro, I'm a little sad you're leaving us, it's disappointing as a friend, but I'm happy for you."
Now they’re back together and the Clippers can’t be happier about it. After losing Montrezl Harrell and JaMychal Green in free agency, the Clips made a very good move bringing Ibaka in. Now it’s time to demonstrate they can win it all after the fiasco they lived in the Orlando bubble.
