The Los Angeles Clippers are the early favorites to win it all next season, and the biggest reason behind that prediction is the return of 2x NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the roster.
Kawhi is definitely one of the best players in the league when he’s healthy. But his fitness has been questionable since his arrival to the Clippers. As a result, he has fallen through many ranks in the list of the top players in the league, per many fans and analysts.
Despite missing the entire 2021-22 NBA season, there are some who believe that Kawhi will be back to his best next season and lead the Clippers to at least the NBA Finals.
But he’s not the only phenomenal player in the Western Conference. The Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is arguably one of the top 5 players in the league currently, and he gave a tough matchup to the Warriors in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
NBA Fans Pick Their Favorite Between Luka Doncic And Kawhi Leonard
Considering the fact that Luka is one of the best scorers in the NBA as of now, and Leonard is an elite defender, many are patiently awaiting their matchup next season.
Which player is better right now? pic.twitter.com/DfIrx2v0Lv
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 22, 2022
Since Luka entered the upper echelon of the league, he has been constantly compared to some of the best players in the league. This time around, it was his turn to be compared to the Clippers star, Kawhi Leonard.
Luka in his first 4 years vs Kawhi in his prime 4 years.
Case closed. pic.twitter.com/8e9fuWaCEd
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 22, 2022
First of all these are two different players Luka is the man but which one has more 💍?
— AJ (@montavious81) September 23, 2022
Luka easy
Stop bringing up stuff from 3 seasons ago with Kawhi, never been a more privileged player in NBA history
— 🐐 (@6_0_Mafia) September 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/nonbiasednbafan/status/1573025599634956291
Luka. No doubt. KL was almost great. Just to many injuries and lazy. Just like Harden. Except he got some rings.
— HeyNow69 (@HeyNow1969) September 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/CasHoopsEnjoyer/status/1573048140290203651
Luka. Damn near forgot Kawhi still in the league
— Smooth Operator (@Fats_Aldridge) September 22, 2022
Luka bc the other hasn’t played in 2 years
— Cade Eckhart (@cadeblade24) September 22, 2022
Kawhi is a all-around superstar vs Luka who is a offensive only superstar. So anyone with common sense should k ow Kawhi is better but I must say Luka may have the edge as a better scorer because Luka unlike Kawhi not asked to play defense on other superstars
— AL (@AL03316762) September 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/4xChefCurry/status/1573026099252137991
If I have a terrible team I'll take Luka easily and we'll be in the playoffs
If I already have a really good team but still wants another superstar it's gonna be Kawhi
— M (@12093387565SFH) September 23, 2022
It was certainly a close debate. But due to the fact Kawhi missed the entire last season, fans are giving Luka a slight edge over him.
Luka might be a better offensive player, but the Klaw’s defensive acumen makes him one of the best two-way players in the league. Additionally, Kawhi and the Clippers defeated the Luka-led Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back seasons come playoff time. Lastly, Leonard has bulked up a lot ahead of the season, so that’s something that may help him in regaining his position as a top player in the NBA.
