LeBron James Reacts To Kawhi Leonard Leaving Team USA

LeBron James shared his unfiltered thoughts on Kawhi Leonard's abrupt departure from Team USA to Fadeaway World.

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Credit: Fadeaway World

LeBron James shared his thoughts on Kawhi Leonard leaving Team USA after the Las Vegas training camp to Fadeaway World ahead of the USA’s exhibition matches against Serbia and Australia in Abu Dhabi. James wished for Leonard’s good health, hoping he would take care of himself ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

“He’s a brother of ours. He’s part of the fraternity, no matter if he’s here or not. He has to take care of himself and that’s all that matters.”

Kawhi was the most accomplished star on Team USA behind the big three of James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. The two-time Finals MVP did participate in internal scrimmages last weekend before dropping out of the camp and being replaced by Derrick White.

White’s inclusion has been controversial, as he was picked ahead of teammate and reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. LeBron reacted to White’s inclusion on the team.

“What can Derrick White add? Just poise, his ability to guard, his ability to shoot the ball. Bringing in another championship DNA guy, it’s great”

James seems to be on board with White being the replacement, as the low-maintenance and versatile guard would allow Team USA to not upset the team’s internal chemistry by adding another star player. But given how all NBA stars are buying into specific roles for the Olympics, it’s unfair to suggest that Brown couldn’t have provided a spark while fitting into the team’s overall plans. 

All the options would be worse than a healthy and engaged Leonard, who averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season as he was named to the All-NBA Second Team. It’s unclear what his health status going into the season will be, as Leonard couldn’t compete in the 2024 Playoffs due to injury before also dropping out of Team USA.

Without Paul George by his side next season, Leonard’s regular season load will be heavier as well. He must take this summer and focus on himself, as Leonard inches closer to most believing he’ll never rediscover the health he enjoyed earlier in his career.


Stephen Curry Was Sad To See Leonard Being Unable To Play For Team USA

The news of Leonard dropping out of Team USA was upsetting to many veteran stars on the roster. LeBron focused on hoping Leonard would take care of himself before the season started, and Stephen Curry also weighed in on the news. 

Curry praised Kawhi for trying his best before understanding why the USAB, Kawhi, and the Clippers took the decision to sit him out for the Olympics.

“Kawhi gave it everything he had when we were preparing the last few days of camp. There were conversations between USAB leadership, Kawhi, and his team to make sure he was set up for success.” 

The 33-year-old Leonard might not get another shot at representing Team USA at the Olympics. While Kevin Durant could lift his fourth Gold medal this Olympics, Leonard has never been part of a medal-winning Olympic roster. Kawhi was part of the USA Select Team in 2012 and competed against LeBron and Durant on the main team, but didn’t play in the 2016 or 2020 Olympics. 

Whether Leonard can represent Team USA at the age of 37 in 2028 is unknown, though the chances of the same look slim already with pundits wondering if Leonard is headed towards retirement.

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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher ReportYahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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