The Los Angeles Clippers have come to life and have now won four games in a row.
They are the seventh seed in the West and have defeated some tough opponents lately.
But even though they are playing well, Stephen A. Smith told “First Take” that he still doesn’t believe in them for one very important reason: the health of Kawhi Leonard.
“The reason I’m not sold on the Clippers is because … I’m just waiting for Kawhi Leonard to get hurt. I know that come playoff time, he’s not going to be available,” Smith said.
"The reason I'm not sold on the Clippers is because … I'm just waiting for Kawhi Leonard to get hurt. I know that come playoff time, he's not going to be available."
👀 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/sRuaAQFavT
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 19, 2025
The Clippers took down the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers the other night, and Leonard posted 33 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals during that win.
He has been heating up lately and looking better and better.
He doesn’t move or play like a star who is always injured, but his history suggests otherwise.
Like many others, Smith has been very disappointed seeing Leonard sit out of many games and postseason runs because of various injuries.
In fact, he has been very vocal about Leonard being unreliable and one of the most inconsistent superstars ever.
The Clippers have actually thrived without Leonard this season, and Smith tipped his hat to the hard work of James Harden and head coach Ty Lue.
They have figured out how to overcome their opponents even without Leonard, who has appeared in 26 games with a season average of 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Clippers fans love what they see from their team right now, but they are also cautious and concerned.
They have been in this situation before and injuries derailed everything.
Will that happen again?
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