PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kawhi Leonard speaks on Clippers Media Day
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kawhi Leonard spoke about his injury update and thoughts on Paul George's departure during NBA Media Day at the Intuit Dome.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue set the record straight and defended superstar Kawhi Leonard during his interview on the Stephen A. Smith Show that was posted to YouTube over the weekend.
While the Clippers finally have their own arena, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Leonard has yet to play on the brand-new court in front of fans this season due to inflammation in his right knee. It’s the same injury that kept him sidelined at the tail end of the 2023-24 regular season and all but one game of the 2024 postseason. Without the six-time NBA All-Star, the Clippers were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs.
It's not the first time Leonard hasn’t been available when it mattered most.
In the past, Smith has been critical of Leonard, even going as far as saying he’s the "worst superstar" in the history of sports and that the two-time Finals MVP should retire.
During his interview with Lue, Smith stated Leonard "is never available, especially for you in the postseason," while also acknowledging his skill set, saying "When this dude is on the court, he is one of the top 5 elite players in the game."
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard talks with coach Tyronn Lue. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
When asked if he found the situation frustrating, Lue did not take the bait.
"I just want to let people know from Kawhi’s standpoint, for him, it’s more frustrating. He wants to be on the floor, he wants to play every single night, but it’s just bad timing," Lue said.
This was proven in Game 2 of the Clippers-Mavericks playoff series, when Leonard returned to the lineup. Unfortunately, the game only highlighted that while mentally he may have been ready, physically, he wasn’t quite himself.
"[There’s] been some tough days [and] some tough nights. I talked to Kawhi on nights when he almost cried just talking about how he’s let the team down, but you can’t do anything about injuries," Lue said.
He continued to say, "He’s another guy that works extremely hard every single day to be on the court and it’s just some unfortunate luck."
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"It’s just sad for me. I see the work he puts in, our players see the work he puts in, our organization sees it and when it’s time to play, he can’t go," Lue added.
"Hopefully this year we can have a strong, deep run when he comes back."
How are the Clippers doing so far this season?
Even without Leonard, the Clippers continue to prove they cannot be counted out when it comes to battling for the "Best in the West."
With James Harden at the helm, and Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac as solid co-captains, the Clippers have exceeded expectations. As of Tuesday, Dec. 10, they hold the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
True to his nature, Lue remained humble and credited others for where they currently stand.
Lue gave props to the team’s entire coaching staff, including Jeff Van Gundy, Brian Shaw, Larry Drew, Brendon O’Connor, Jay Larranga, Jeremy Castleberry and Chris Holguin.
He said Van Gundy has brought an "edge" to the team with his "no nonsense" mentality. "He’s not happy unless he’s mad…he’s passionate about his job," Lue said.
"A lot of guys are just staying the course understanding that Kawhi’s going to be out for a while and giving our young guys confidence and I give a lot of credit to our players. We don’t care who’s on the floor, we think we’ve got a chance to win every single night."
Norman Powell’s breakout season
Norman Powell has been having a breakout season as he’s transitioned into a starting role.
"With Kawhi and PG, he didn’t have an opportunity to start and play as many minutes as he wanted to, but he’s always been a talent," Lue said. "He works so hard…the way he works sometimes I think is too much, but I’m just happy and thankful he got the opportunity. He’s taking advantage of it."
James Harden's leadership
Leonard isn’t the only player on the Clippers who has faced scrutiny by the media. For James Harden, his character has come into question due to the way he left Houston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
Also, he made eyebrow raising statements when he arrived to Los Angeles, saying he's "not a system player" but that "he's a system."
This season, he's embraced being a leader and carrying the team.
"He’s been great at training camp, just helping our young guys get better, teaching them how to work every single day and he’s been phenomenal for us all year," Lue explained.
"I know he’s older, but he still has the mindset to be great and still has the mindset to make guys better," Lue said. "He’s an exceptional talent, he’s a hard worker and every single night, he wants to play."
Ty Lue on Paul George
Paul George’s exit was met with mixed reactions from NBA fans.
His departure was only soured by Clipper fans due to his comments made on "Podcast P." During his homecoming game, he was met with boos.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Clipper fans greet Paul George with boos during Sixer star's homecoming game in LA
However, Lue only had positive things to say about him.
"When you lose a talent like PG that can score the basketball, that can guard five different positions on the floor, that’s a tough loss. I know he had to do what’s best for him and his family…who could turn down an extra $70 million? I understood that, but it’s hard," Lue said.
When will Kawhi Leonard return?
There were some reports that Kawhi Leonard would could come back before Christmas. However, Lue clarified the team does not have a timetable for his return.
On Tuesday, Lue told reporters that Leonard did participate in practice. However, clarified he wasn't able to do everything, as reported by Law Murray with The Athletic.
How good can the Clippers be this season?
"Once we get to the playoffs… I like our chances. We just gotta continue to stay right there…that 5, 6, 7, 8th spot until Kawhi gets back. Making sure we’re in the play-in at worst and just going from there. But I think we can make a strong run," Lue said.
"It can get tough offensively, but I don’t’ fault our guys. We scrap and compete every night."
Watch the full interview below.