It took them seven games, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> have finally won a game with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> on the roster. Of course, it wasn’t all on him, and it was clear that it would take some period of adjustment before everybody was on the same page, but still, it wasn’t pretty.



Notably, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> made Tyronn Lue’s job a lot easier by stepping up and asking to come off the bench. Truth be told, it seemed like the only logical move, but it’s not usual to see a former MVP willingly making such a big sacrifice.



Westbrook’s move to the second unit did wonders for the team. It gave them the balance they desperately needed, and it allowed Harden to play freely with the ball on his hands and playmake for others without alternating possessions with him and Westbrook as the primary ball-handler.



Following the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> and Paul George shared their thoughts on Russ’ decision to take one for the team and move to the bench, praising him for that shocking turn of events.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231119_BUS_86542_Russell-Westbrook-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="Russell Westbrook" class="wp-image-20455" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Russell-Westbrook-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Russell-Westbrook-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Russell-Westbrook-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Russell-Westbrook.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Russell Westbrook</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Kawhi, PG, Talk About Westbrook’s New Role</h2>



“That’s what it takes,” Leonard said. “Whatever coach needs, you gotta suck it up, just go with it, see what the opportunity presents for the team. I’ve been there before, starting my career and just every year trying to see different ways you can win a basketball game. I think he’s gonna be good. It’s gonna take time for us all to figure it out, but I think he did well. Came in and hit a big three for us and got some stops, great defense.”



Leonard also praised Westbrook for leading by example and setting the tone for other bench players, lauding his sacrifice and stating that the team is still a work in progress:



“We’re all trying to figure out ways to win. It’s a very noticeable sacrifice that he’s making, just because he’s not starting,” continued Leonard. “If he makes that leap like that, it shows us and other teammates that are sitting on the bench that we all can sacrifice ourselves.”



As for George, he claimed it was ‘tough’ not having Westbrook’s energy around him and all the chemistry they had developed dating backs to his days in Oklahoma. Still, he tipped his hat to his teammate for his leadership:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231119_BUS_86542_Russell-Westbrook-1-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Russell Westbrook Clippers" class="wp-image-84401" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Russell-Westbrook-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Russell-Westbrook-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Russell-Westbrook-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Russell-Westbrook-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Russell-Westbrook-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Los Angeles Clippers PG Russell Wesbrook</figcaption></figure>



“It’s tough, you know, it’s tough,” George said. “With his energy, and obviously, it’s a ton of chemistry there. So we’ve always played well off of one another. But it takes a lot; for his sacrifice, for us going forward, to try and figure things out. Can’t say enough just on the character of Russ, and just his leadership.”



It will all now be about consistency. Westbrook is perhaps the best backup point guard in the game, and coach Lue can now have at least two of his stars on the court at all times.


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The Clippers are now 4-7, and getting that first win with their new roster was instrumental in boosting morale. With the right mindset and with everybody putting the team first, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them coming out of the West and making the NBA Finals.


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Clippers stars talk about Russell Westbrook coming off the bench - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Load management is a major issue for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> fans right now. It all started with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers </a>star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard,</a> and it spread like a contagious disease all over the league.



The fans don’t want to watch the best players sitting out when they’re healthy. And, clearly, it hasn’t worked for Leonard either, as he’s not been able to play in the playoffs either.



Nonetheless, the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Antonio Spurs</a> star is still a big advocate of sitting out despite being healthy, and he let it know during his team’s media day by blasting the league’s new policies.



<h2>Kawhi Leonard Doesn’t Like Load Management Rules</h2>



“No, I mean, I’m not a guy that’s sitting down cause I’m doing load management,” Leonard said. “When I was with the Raptors, it was different. I was coming from an injury. You have to know the details… If the league is seeing or trying to mock what I did with the Raptors, then they should stop because I was injured that whole year. But other than that if I’m able to play, I’ll play basketball. I workout every day in the summertime to play the game, not to sit and watch people play. No league policy is helping me to play more games.”



Kawhi Leonard isn’t a healthy player, and that won’t change even if he only plays 10 games in one season. Former NBA players were on the court for 80+ games, and they still played for 15+ seasons.


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No one wants players to play through injury; all we ask is that they play when they’re healthy. That shouldn’t be too much to ask guys making tens of millions for… playing.

Kawhi Leonard puts load management critics on blast

Kawhi Leonard puts load management critics on blast - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> have been trying to make it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Finals for the first time in franchise history for a while. But not even Kawhi Leonard has been able to end their drought.



Either he or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-george" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul George</a> — or both — have been hurt in the playoffs, thus hurting their chances to compete at the highest level. And that may not change any time soon.



That’s why they could look to end their tenure in Los Angeles and rely upon another star, such as Joel Embiid. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, both Leonard and George could consider signing with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers.</a>



<h2>Sixers Could Steal One Clippers Star</h2>



“Philadelphia right now has positioned itself to be a big free-agent player,” said Windhorst. “They could swoop in and go after Paul or Kawhi. While they prefer LA, a move to Philly might not be the worst for them.”



The Sixers are also looking forward to getting over the hump. They haven’t been able to get past the second round of the playoffs, and coach Nick Nurse might be just what they need to change that.


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Of course, adding another elite two-way player like George or Leonard to that mix would only make them better, especially considering they’re almost a lock to lose James Harden at some point.

ESPN: Sixers could steal a star from the Clippers

ESPN: Sixers could get Kawhi Leonard or Paul George - Bolavip US

ESPN: Sixers could get Kawhi Leonard or Paul George

Not so long ago, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> made one of the biggest moves in recent <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history, signing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> and immediately trading for Paul George.



On paper, Steve Ballmer’s team looked poised to become the ultimate powerhouse in the Western Conference, even ahead of the likes of the Golden State Warriors.



But paper doesn’t win titles, and they’ve been hurt more often than they’ve been on the court. That’s why Brian Windhorst of ESPN doesn’t see a scenario where they get a big extension.



<h2>Kawhi Leonard And Paul George Won’t Get Big Contract Extensions</h2>



“I don’t think there’s any chance that those guys get four-year extensions,” Windhorst said. “They both can be free agents after next season because they have player options. There’s no chance that they’re getting extended four years. I would be stunned if they get extended four years. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t get extended, though. And that the Clippers won’t make an offer or even a multi-year offer.”



Notably, his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith echoed a similar sentiment. He pointed out how many games PG and Leonard have missed over the years, and how they’re pretty much a waste of money to the organization.



“You’ve missed 119 of 307 regular season games,” Smith said. “That’s 38 percent due to injuries. In that time span, you’ve earned $148.2 million in your career. $57.3 million of those money’s worth the games missed. Kawhi Leonard; he’s missed 147 of 308 regular season games. That’s 48 percent due to injuries, Kawhi’s earned $146.9 million in his career with the Clippers. About $70.8 million for games he’s missed. I don’t see the Clipper fans getting any refunds.”


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This will be a controversial matter for months to come, and we wouldn’t be shocked to see both of them tangled up in countless trade rumors until their situations get settled, if ever.

Brian Windhorst has terrible news for Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George - Bolavip US

Brian Windhorst has terrible news for Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Los Angeles Clippers</a> seem to have everything to succeed. On paper, Tyronn Lue‘s roster looks strong enough to challenge for an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> championship. But the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-george">Paul George</a> and Kawhi Leonard duo has so far left much to be desired.



Last season, both stars failed to show up when it mattered the most, leaving Russell Westbrook alone trying to keep the playoff hopes alive. Therefore, something has to change in LA.



In an appearance on ‘All the Smoke,’ the Clippers head coach addressed the team’s lack of consistency throughout the regular season, noting that it’s something they have to work on.



<h2>Tyronn Lue told Paul George, Kawhi Leonard to take regular season more seriously</h2>



“One thing I told Kawhi and PG this summer, like we do gotta approach the regular season a different way… Let’s be serious about it. Let’s not wait until the playoffs, because it matters,” Lue said, via Sports Illustrated. 



“Who you get matched up with, having home court advantage, not fighting the last 10 games of the season so we won’t be in the play-in. So now you can get rest, now you can get yourself together and be ready for the playoffs. So they both understood that.“


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Lue has a fair point. Even when you know you’re making the postseason, underestimating the regular season can prove costly. If the Clippers stars stay healthy and deliver more consistently, then they could make it to the playoffs with more strength.

NBA News: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue issues strong warning for Paul George, Kawhi Leonard - Bolavip US

NBA News: Clippers coach Tyronn Lue issues strong warning for Paul George, Kawhi Leonard

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers </a>signed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> and traded for Paul George and instantly became one of the teams to beat in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>. But thus far, that hasn’t translated into a lot of success.



On paper, they have arguably the best duo of two-way players in the league, but they’re constantly hurt, and have failed to even reach the NBA Finals because of that.



That’s why Zach Lowe of ESPN reports that the Clippers are unlikely to sign them to a contract extension in the next couple of months, and that could fuel even more <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/knicks-are-a-realistic-destination-for-paul-george-20230626-BUS-18116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trade rumors around PG-13.</a>



<h2>Clippers May Not Give Kawhi Leonard And Paul George A Contract Extension</h2>



“The biggest subplot in the NBA that not enough people are talking about is Paul George and Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers, being extension eligible” Lowe said. “In Kawhi’s case in July. I think in Paul George’s case in September.”



“Because I just don’t think, based on what I’ve heard, that if those guys walk in the door and ask for four-year max extensions, I don’t think the Clippers are just giving them to them,“ Lowe added.



Now, whether they’ll look to trade them or will work out a new contract with a hometown discount remains to be seen, but it seems like this could be the beginning of the end of this era.

Clippers have made a decision about Kawhi Leonard and Paul George - Bolavip US

Clippers have made a decision about Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

In 2019, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> signed two huge stars expected to lead them to success. Unfortunately, the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem has not worked out as well as anticipated so rumors now suggest that the team could be interested in disassembling this partnership.



After the 2019 NBA Finals, Kawhi Leonard left the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-raptors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toronto Raptors</a> to join the Clippers. The small forward helped the Canadian team to win its first-ever Larry O’Brien trophy, being the MVP of the series against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a>.


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Once Leonard made the decision to leave Toronto and move to Los Angeles, he requested the front office to sign Paul George. Kawhi was interested in teaming up with him at the Clippers, but things haven’t really worked out since then.



<h2>Rumors: Clippers are interested in dissolving the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem</h2>



The Clippers have struggled to compete throughout their history despite having great players. In recent years, big names like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan have all tried to achieve success in L.A., but they have fallen short of their mission.



For this reason, the team’s front office made two blockbuster moves back in 2019. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were signed that summer, and it was expected that both players could triumph at Los Angeles.



Unfortunately, they have not lived up to the expectations. The Clippers are far from being a competitive team. For this reason, it seems like the franchise is interested in dissolving the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem soon.


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According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Clippers are gauging Paul George’s trade value. The 33-year-old could be living his last days in Los Angeles, as they want to sign another huge star to help Kawhi Leonard.

Paul George slams Stephen A. Smith over Kawhi Leonard take

Paul Pierce makes the bluntest statement about Kawhi Leonard

NBA Rumors: Clippers could disassemble the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem - Bolavip US

Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem could be over soon

NBA Rumors: Clippers could disassemble the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George tandem

With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘</a> season coming to yet another disappointing end, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard’s</a> future has been a hot topic of debate around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> circles lately. There’s no denying that he’s an elite two-way player, but he’s seldom available.
The Clippers have failed to fulfill their goal of taking over Los Angeles. They’ve outplayed the Los Angeles Lakers since Steve Ballmer took over, but the Lakers won a ring and they haven’t even made it to the NBA Finals.
All things considered, NBA legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-pierce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paul Pierce</a> believes it’s time for Kawhi Leonard to seriously consider retirement. It’s not about his talent or lack thereof, but about everything he’s been through already.
<h2>Paul Pierce Says Kawhi Leonard Should Just Retire</h2>
“If I’m Kawhi Leonard, I would really consider retirement. This has a lot to do with what his body has been through,” Pierce said on KG Certified’s Ticket &amp; The Truth.
“Being unreliable has nothing to do with their talent. Kawhi has probably been the most unreliableand unlucky. That’s just unlucky to deal with what he’s had to deal with, injury-wise. Because he’s one of the greatest athletes. If you look at the way he’s put together, he’s strong, in shape. But you have to be good and lucky. It has nothing to do with the weights or the load management. You can be the best athlete in the world but sometimes the injury bug just somehow creeps up on you,” Pierce concluded.
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Some might take this as a shot at Kawhi, but it’s not. It’s a shame, but we’ve seen this happen over and over to some of the greatest talents in the history of the game, such as Grant Hill or Penny Hardaway. It sucks, but injuries are a part of sports, and he’s not going to get healthier as he gets older.

Paul Pierce makes the bluntest statement about Kawhi Leonard - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> have endured plenty of criticism lately. The two-way superstar hasn’t been able to be on the floor when it matters the most, and they’ve failed to make it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> Finals.
Leonard missed the final games of the season with a knee injury. Paul George was also out, so Russell Westbrook was a one-man show for the most part, which obviously wasn’t enough to win in the playoffs.
That’s why George had to come in Kawhi’s defense after ESPN analyst <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Kawhi-Leonard-is-the-Clippers-biggest-problem-analysts-explain-20230425-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen A. Smith</a> claimed that he should just retire. George explained why Stephen A. was wrong and stood by his teammate.
<h2>Paul George Claps Back At Stephen A. Smith</h2>
“If you can play through it, you’re gonna through it. If you cannot, there’s a reason why. Nobody wants to sit out for no reason,” George said. “You can’t play through that sh*t because you won’t be yourself. What’s the point of going out there? I heard Stephen A. talk about how Kawhi could’ve given you 10 minutes or 5.”
“Bro, it’s not about that,” continued George. “If I gotta go on the floor and I can’t be myself, what the f*ck am I on the floor for? Now I’m liable to get even more hurt because I’m not myself and trying to do shit I can’t do. It was a dumb take.”
<h2>George Says Clippers Could’ve Beaten Suns</h2>
Moreover, George also believes the Clippers could’ve beaten the Suns if they were healthy. Unfortunately, that has been the case with this team since they acquired their two stars four seasons ago:
“This was very much a series I think we should have won and could have gotten past if we [were] healthy,” George sentenced. “Absolutely, I believe we had everything to beat Phoenix. It’s frustrating, especially as years go up, you look back at this shit and, like damn, another year – not necessarily wasted – but another year of not getting a chance to compete. To get to the finish line and not be able to compete is the hardest part of it all.”
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Truth be told, it’s all wishful thinking and hypotheticals. It’s reached a point where the Clippers are no longer considered a serious contender, as you just know their stars won’t be available in the playoffs.

Paul George slams Stephen A. Smith over Kawhi Leonard take - Bolavip US

It’s been four years since the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> signed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard.</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a>They’ve made it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> Finals zero times, and he hasn’t even been on the court in the playoffs more often than not.
Leonard has barely played in the regular season and started the controversial ‘load management’trend. However, it’s more than clear that the said trend isn’t workingbecause he’s never healthy.
That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/JJ-Redick-destroys-Stephen-A.-Smith-over-Kawhi-Leonard-take-20230427-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clippers</a> President of Basketball Operation Lawrence Frank may have taken a subtle shot at his start, stating that it’s time his team starts focusing on the regular season as well.
<h2>Clippers GM Seemingly Throws Shade At Kawhi Leonard</h2>
“We have to be honest with ourselves,” Frank told the media in his end-of-the-season press conference. “We have to look in the mirror. It starts with me. We have to get back to honoring and respecting the regular season.”
“The regular season matters,” continued the executive. “Not that our guys don’t think it matters. I think all of us, starting with me, we can compete harder every single day. We can hold each other accountable every day.”

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<h2>Stephen A. Smith Blasts Leonard</h2>
Notably, ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith expressed a similar sentiment, albeit he used quite a different wording. Per Smith, Leonard is one of the worst superstars in the history of the league:
“Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen,” Smith said on his show. “That’s right, I said it. Because anybody that watches basketball knows I’m obviously not talking about his skills. We know the brother is big time. We know that as a talent, he’s a superstar. One who shows up, when he plays, I’m talking about in terms of his performance, performs in the postseason arguably better than he performs in the regular season. He is that dude.”
“But when you talk about a superstar that is unreliable, I want somebody to point me out somebody more flagrant than him. You’re load-managing him all through the season, all through the season, he takes every perk imaginable,” the pundit concluded.

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Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen <a href="https://t.co/t5L12zdGQA">pic.twitter.com/t5L12zdGQA</a>
 — Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenasmith/status/1649436168163938304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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Leonard is most definitely an impactful player, but it’s been proven that the team cannot count on him to stay healthy. So, they might have to make some tough decisions when they plan ahead to next season.

Clippers GM throws big shade at Kawhi Leonard

Clippers GM throws big shade at Kawhi Leonard - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clippers</a> have once again fallen short in the playoffs, this time losing in the first round to the Suns. The fact that both Paul George and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> missed most of the series will remain a big “What if” for the organization in the next months, but they’ll have to move on.
While other teams would simply give up at this point, Los Angeles looks convinced with the decisions it has made in recent years and would have <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Paul-George-begs-Russell-Westbrook-to-return-to-Clippers-next-season-20230427-0023.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no intention</a> of making significant changes.
Tyronn Lue is expected to continue as head coach and the team apparently wants to continue building around its stars. However, Skip Bayless believes Leonard could call it a time with the Clippers in the offseason.
<h2>Rumor: Kawhi Leonard could want out of the Clippers</h2>
“Now, I’m told Kawhi might be ready to consider moving on to another organization,”Bayless said on his “The Skip Bayless Show,” via Basketball Network. “Next year, he’s under contract to the Clippers at age 32 for $46 million, that’s pretty great. The next year, though, at age 33, he will have a player option. So is it possible he will demand a trade ahead of next season, or even ahead of next season’s trade deadline, or might he wait until after next season when he can just flat out hit the open market?
“Once an organization has quote on quote done him wrong, he will not get over it. There’s no forgive and forget in Kawhi Leonard…But now, Clippers fans might take to calling him number two if he exits the Clippers the way (he left the San Antonio Spurs). I have a sneaking suspicion he just might.”
<h2>Clippers want to run things back</h2>
Leonard has been in the eye of the storm for spending so much time on the sidelines during his stint with the Clippers. But even after he sat for most of the series against the Suns, the team wouldn’t want to make changes.
“Those guys are great players, great partners, and we want to keep them as Clippers for a long time,“Clippers’ President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said in regard to Leonard and PG. “The number 1 goal is how can we build a sustainable championship team.”
 
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Leonard is definitely key to the Clippers’ aspirations, but not if he can’t stay healthy. The Clippers still believe in him, so it would be strange if it’s Kawhi who decides to part considering how patient the team has been with him.

NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard could force his way out of the Clippers

NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard could force his way out of the Clippers - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> failed again. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> was injured in the playoffs, and they couldn’t make it to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-stephen-curry-breaks-the-silence-on-his-finals-mvp-snub-20221123-0012.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA Finals</a>. We could save those two sentences and use them over and over every season.
Leonard’s health has been a talking point for years now, and it’s getting tiring. He started the load management trend, and it’s more than evident that it’s not working, which is why Stephen A. Smith urged him to just retire already.
Those comments didn’t sit well at all with former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> player JJ Redick, who put Stephen A. on blast and went on to talk about how difficult it is to come back from injury when you’re a professional hooper.
<h2>JJ Redick Rips Stephen A. Smith Over Kawhi Leonard Take</h2>
“I mean this in the nicest way possible, but it’s very obvious that you’ve played zero high-level basketball and you do not understand the requirements of doing that,” Redick said. “A sprained knee for someone who has torn a quad tendon and who has torn their ACL is very different than someone playing on a hobbled ankle in the 1970s. It’s a terrible analogy.”
“I understand the frustration with the ‘load management’ issue,” Redick added. “What we’re talking about here and questioning his injury. Let’s give the guy some credit, he did it in Game 1; he went out there and battled Game 2. Guess what? If he could play, he would play.”
“Do you not have any empathy for someone who has came back from two major leg injuries?” Redick said. “I knew you were going to go off the rails here. The idea of getting rid of [him] I don’t know what the options are. Let’s keep in mind, they’re opening a new arena in ’24/25. They are the little brother in that city. I don’t think they can afford to go through a full years-long rebuild. They’ve got 1,160 toilets; they need people to use ’em.&apos;”

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/jj_redick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jj_redick</a> responds to <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenasmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stephenasmith</a> saying Kawhi Leonard needs to be forced into retirement: <a href="https://t.co/OrkcQRMclc">pic.twitter.com/OrkcQRMclc</a>
 — First Take (@FirstTake) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/1651253512452337666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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Stephen A. has his fair share of wild takes, and he mostly does everything for the show, so Redick’s criticism is more than valid. But it’s also a fact that Leonard is never available, and the fans are getting tired of that.
While Smith should be more empathetic of Leonard’s situation, he’s speaking from a fan’s standpoint, and that’s also valid. He doesn’t need to be a pro hooper to realize that he might not be able to play a full season again.

JJ Redick destroys Stephen A. Smith over Kawhi Leonard take

JJ Redick destroys Stephen A. Smith over Kawhi Leonard take - Bolavip US

The Los Angeles Clippers’ season will most likely end tonight. Despite <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook’s</a> heroics and outstanding play in the postseason, a one-man show cannot beat <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns.</a>
Paul George has been on the shelf for the past month or so, but the Clippers still managed to steal Game 1 from the Suns. Then, ashappens every single season, Kawhi Leonard suffered an undisclosed and mysterious season-ending injury.
This has become a common trend, which is why several analysts have finally decided to hold him accountable. It’s not like Leonard decides to get hurt, but they have to keep the same energy they have with guys like Joel Embiid or<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/zion-williamson" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Zion Williamson</a>, to name a few.
<h2>Stephen A. Smith: Kawhi Leonard Is The Worst Superstar In NBA History</h2>
First, it was Stephen A. Smithwho got brutally honest and claimed that Leonard is one of the worst superstars in NBA history. Of course, that’s not because of his game but because of his lack of availability.
“Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen,” Smith said on First Take. “That’s right, I said it. Because anybody that watches basketball knows I’m obviously not talking about his skills. We know the brother is big time. We know that as a talent, he’s a superstar. One who shows up, when he plays, I’m talking about in terms of his performance, performs in the postseason arguably better than he performs in the regular season. He is that dude.”
“But when you talk about a superstar that is unreliable, I want somebody to point me out somebody more flagrant than him. You’re load-managing him all through the season, all through the season, he takes every perk imaginable,” Smith concluded.

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Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen <a href="https://t.co/t5L12zdGQA">pic.twitter.com/t5L12zdGQA</a>
 — Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenasmith/status/1649436168163938304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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<h2>Colin Cowherd: Kawhi Doesn’t Communicate With The Clippers</h2>
Then, Colin Cowherd explained that Leonard’s camp has even kept his own team and teammates on the blue about his constant injuries and issues, and that’s just not going to change:
“In two seasons, Kawhi Leonard has played 27 home games,” Cowherd said. “Folks, after a while if you’re getting the understudy on Broadway, three of 4 nights, the understudy becomes the star, not the star. He’s just not available, he’s odd, he’s not verbal, he doesn’t communicate, I’ve been told, with coaches or players. This is who he is.”

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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I applaud the big swing by the Clippers… But don’t double down on it.”
 — <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinCowherd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ColinCowherd</a> says why it’s time to move off Kawhi Leonard <a href="https://t.co/lCZ4phSeI7">pic.twitter.com/lCZ4phSeI7</a>
 — Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHerd/status/1650552685391667200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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Kawhi’s tenure in Los Angeles has been as biga failure as Kevin Durant’s in Brooklyn. They have nothing to show for it, and while he shouldn’t be blamed for getting hurt, it’s time he finally gets some of the criticism.

Kawhi Leonard is the Clippers' biggest problem, analysts explain

Kawhi Leonard is the Clippers' biggest problem, analysts explain - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a> started the series strongly, but now find themselves trailing 1-2 to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phoenix Suns</a>in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> playoffs. And if Paul George and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kawhi Leonard</a> don’t come back, the outlook won’t be encouraging.
Leonard was suddenly ruled out for the third game due to a knee sprain, and despite his teammates’ efforts not to show it, the Clippers felt his absence. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-westbrook" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook</a> and Norman Powell did everything they could, but in the end, their incredible numbers weren’t enough to beat Devin Booker and company.
Of course, one of the biggest talking points after the game was whether Leonard could have given the Clippers the edge in such a tight game. But Westbrook had Kawhi’s back after the game.
<h2>Westbrook admits it’s a shame not to have Kawhi healthy</h2>
“I mean, I just feel sorry for him,”Westbrook said, via ClutchPoints.“He probably was playing his best basketball in a while, probably the best in the world honestly. It just sucks just for him mentally. That’s first thing I go to. But it was good to see him be around and communicate with us on the bench. 
“Hopefully we can see how he feeling and see what’s next. If he’s not back, we have to rally around each other, support each other, find ways to make something happen. It’s a series. First to four. Get ready for Saturday afternoon.”
Westbrook really stepped up on Thursday night with PG and Leonard out, posting 30 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds in 40 minutes. He had many turnovers too, but his performance was still remarkable. Had Leonard been on the court, the result may have been different. That’s why coach Tryonn Lue is also sad about his injury status.
<h2>Tyronn Lue says Leonard’s absence is a huge blow</h2>
“It’s very deflating,”Lue said in regard toLeonard’s injury. “I think more so for Kawhi because you have a guy who’s coming off ACL, hasn’t missed a rehab session, eats right, eats clean, does everything he can for his body, works extremely hard to get to this point. Then you have something like this happen. So it’s tough for him, for all the work that he puts in. I feel bad for him.
“Our team, like I said, our guys have been through a lot this year, the last two years. For us to compete to get to the point where we made the Playoffs, we feeling pretty good outside of having P.G. out, like I said, when this happens, it’s a blow.”
 
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The Clippers will have a chance to bounce back at home on Saturday, when they welcome the Suns to the Crypto.com Arenafor Game 4 at 3:30 PM (ET). George or Leonard’s presence is still uncertain, so Brodie and Powell may need to bring their A-game again.

NBA News: Russell Westbrook addresses Kawhi Leonard's absence in Game 3 vs. Suns

NBA News: Russell Westbrook addresses Kawhi Leonard's absence in Game 3 vs. Suns - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Watch-Sacramento-Kings-vs-Golden-State-Warriors-online-free-in-the-US-TV-Channel-and-Live-Streaming-for-Game-3--20230418-0044.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2023 NBA Playoffs</a> are presenting close series with unexpected results already happening. One example is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Warriors-Draymond-Green-gets-ejected-after-stomping-on-Domantas-Sabonis-chest-Video-20230418-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> being down 2-0 against the Sacramento Kings. But this clash between the Clippers and the Suns is still wide open since they both split wins.
Los Angeles started with a shocking performance in game 1. They were able to steal a victory in Phoenix despite not having <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Neither-LeBron-nor-Curry-Paul-George-reveals-whos-the-toughest-player-to-guard-20230411-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paul George</a> in the lineup. It was crucial for that accomplishment <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Russell-Westbrook-gives-cold-response-to-revenge-game-question-after-win-over-Lakers-20230406-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Russell Westbrook</a>’s late defensive play over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Suns-star-Devin-Booker-has-mixed-feelings-on-the-Kevin-Durant-trade-20230329-0034.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Devin Booker</a>. 
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The Suns naturally responded thanks to their top scorers like Booker and of course <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/LeBron-James-vs-Kevin-Durant-When-is-the-last-time-they-faced-each-other-20230407-0050.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kevin Durant</a>. Going back to LA means the series was supposed to stay attractive, although the visiting team will start with a big advantage regardingabsences.
<h2>Kawhi Leonard’s injury: Why is Clippers star not playing today vs Suns?</h2>
In the end, Kawhi Leonard was ruled out ofgame 3 against the Suns with an injury. This is a huge blow to their aspirations considering their other star in George is also dealing with an injury. Being only 1-1 in the series might have made the team be more conservative given his history, but they will surely miss him on the court.
Leonard will be out of game 3 after suffering a right knee sprain, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. It is reportedly not related to the ACL injury he had in the past, although it is concerning since his absences keep piling up.
<h2>Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 4?</h2>
It is still too soon to know if he will be available to come back in time from this setback. Los Angeles host Phoenix on Saturday, but the timetable for his return hasn’t been established yet. He is expected to be day-to-day leading up to game 4.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns: Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight?

Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns: Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? - Bolavip US

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