The statement made by Kawhi Leonard’s trainer after the Clippers’ comeback win against the Lakers on Christmas Day in the 2019-20 season, where he mentioned someone dodging “SMOKE,” seemed to have ignited a fire within LeBron James. Since then, their matchups have been nothing short of intense, with LeBron holding a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters.
“Turn the film on somebody was dodging SMOKE yesterday and it wasn’t Kawhi.”
In their nine matchups following that statement, LeBron has maintained a 5-4 record against Kawhi Leonard. However, it’s LeBron’s individual performances that truly stand out, showcasing his dominance over his rival on the court. Over these nine games, LeBron has averaged an impressive 28.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, displaying his versatility and impact across all facets of the game.
On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard has put up solid numbers himself, averaging 24.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in these matchups. However, it’s clear that LeBron has had the upper hand in terms of statistical output and overall impact on the game.
This season alone, LeBron has continued his dominance over Kawhi, leading the Lakers to victory in all three of their matchups. Each game has seen LeBron delivering stellar performances, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when facing his rival.
In the first matchup of the 2023-2024 season between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard on November 1, 2023, the Lakers staged an impressive comeback from a 19-point deficit to secure a 130-125 victory. LeBron showcased his dominance with a stellar performance, notching 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting an efficient 13-of-19 from the field and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.
On the opposing end, Kawhi Leonard also delivered an outstanding display, tallying 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Despite Leonard’s offensive firepower, LeBron’s all-around excellence guided the Lakers to a thrilling win.
In the second matchup between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard on January 7, 2024, the Lakers once again emerged victorious with a narrow 106-103 win over the Clippers. LeBron outshone Kawhi with an impactful performance, contributing 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 11-of-19 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range.
On the defensive end, LeBron’s lockdown defense limited Kawhi to just 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the field and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. Despite Leonard’s efforts, LeBron’s two-way prowess played a crucial role in securing the Lakers’ victory.
In the most recent showdown between LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard on February 28, 2024, the Lakers staged a remarkable comeback from a 21-point deficit to secure a thrilling 116-112 victory over the Clippers.
LeBron delivered a jaw-dropping performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, finishing with 34 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks. He showcased his shooting prowess by converting 13-of-21 field goal attempts and 7-of-12 from three-point range.
While Kawhi Leonard also performed admirably with 26 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, LeBron’s dominant fourth-quarter display proved to be the difference-maker in securing the Lakers’ comeback win.
Since the controversial statement made by Kawhi’s trainer, LeBron, and the Lakers went on to win the NBA championship in the same season, while the Clippers faltered in the playoffs despite high expectations. The subsequent seasons saw both teams make deep playoff runs, with the Clippers and the Lakers reaching the Western Conference Finals.
In conclusion, LeBron James‘ performances against Kawhi Leonard have not only fueled his personal rivalry with the Clippers’ star but have also contributed to the Lakers’ success on the court. With LeBron’s unmatched talent and determination, he continues to assert his dominance over Kawhi and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Kawhi Leonard Once Sought To Displace LeBron James As The King Of LA
Kawhi Leonard’s arrival at the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2019-20 season was accompanied by lofty expectations. Fresh off a Finals MVP win with the Toronto Raptors, many anticipated him to challenge LeBron James for the title of the best player in the world. This set the stage for an intense rivalry between the Clippers and the Lakers, with both teams vying for supremacy in Los Angeles.
Throughout the season, there was palpable tension between the two teams, with players and advertisements taking shots at each other. The Clippers were expected to meet the Lakers in the conference finals, and the anticipation for the showdown was immense. However, the Clippers’ journey took an unexpected turn in the playoffs.
Leading 3-1 against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, the Clippers were just two quarters away from advancing to face the Lakers. They held a comfortable 15-point lead in the third quarter of Game 5 but ended up squandering it, paving the way for a miraculous comeback by the Nuggets. This trend continued in Game 6, where the Clippers blew a 19-point lead, forcing a decisive Game 7.
Even in the crucial Game 7, the Clippers found themselves in a promising position, leading by 8 points in the first half. However, they once again faltered, allowing the Nuggets to mount a comeback and eventually take control of the game. The Clippers’ season came to a disappointing end as the Nuggets secured a convincing victory, dashing the Clippers’ hopes of facing the Lakers in the conference finals.
Throughout the series, Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ marquee player, put up solid numbers. However, in the critical closeout games, his performance was underwhelming. In Game 7, Leonard struggled mightily, recording just 14 points on 6-22 shooting from the field and 2-7 from beyond the arc. His inability to deliver when it mattered most contributed to the Clippers’ downfall and raised questions about his ability to lead the team to championship glory.
Ultimately, Kawhi Leonard’s quest to dethrone LeBron James as the king of LA fell short, as the Clippers’ championship aspirations crumbled in the face of adversity.
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