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Los Angeles Clippers
Aug 20, 2025 5:59 PM EDT
Kawhi Leonard has long been recognized as one of the most dominant two-way players of his generation. A two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard’s ability to control games on both ends of the floor has made him a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Clippers since his arrival in 2019.
Leonard is coming off a season in which he averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 2024-25 while shooting 51 percent from the field. He then appeared in all seven of LA’s postseason games against the Denver Nuggets, raising his scoring average to 25.0 in those contests.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) — Source: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
NBA Fans React to Kawhi Leonard’s Appearance in New Photo
Unlike many of his peers, Leonard is known for a quiet lifestyle, rarely appearing in the spotlight outside of games. That’s why his latest public appearance quickly drew attention.
A photo posted Wednesday morning from a San Diego workout session with Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels caught attention, sparking a conversation around Leonard’s physical appearance.
Specifically, 34-year-old was noticeably slimmer, leading many fans to weigh in on social media.
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“Kawhi looks slimmer,” one fan posted.
“Looks skinny 😔 Him and Harden needa switch diets,” another added.
“Damn Jaden making my goat look tiny😭😭,” a third fan wrote.
“Skinny Kawhi?😳,” a fan said.
“Kawhi is small?!” another fan questioned.
“kawhi… gotta be shrinking,” said another.
“Kawhi look small as [expletive] wtf,” said another.
Leonard and McDaniels have trained together before. Both NBA forwards workout with Clint Parks, a trainer based in Southern California who has been working with Leonard since his time in high school.
Kawhi Leonard’s New Physique Could Help Injury Issues
It remains unclear whether Leonard’s new look is the result of a specific fitness regimen or simply offseason conditioning, but fans view it could be a sign that he is highly motivated heading into next season. Given his track record, a leaner Leonard could mean an even more efficient and durable version of the All-Star forward in 2025–26.
Leonard did not make his season debut last year until January, as the former San Antonio Spurs star was recovering from an offseason knee procedure that limited him to just 37 regular season games. That said, once the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs, team president Lawrence Frank told reporters that Leonard continued training through June — preparing his body for what another NBA Finals run would be like (via Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints).
Now, sporting a seemingly slimmed-down physique, Leonard may be intentionally shedding weight in an attempt to stay healthier in his age-34 season.
About the Author
Ayomide Adeduyite
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Ayomide Adeduyite is a contributing writer for the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.