In an interview with GQ’s Sam Schube, Kawhi Leonard explained that he wanted the opportunity to build a legacy with the Los Angeles Clippers, a team with a history of underperformance and no championships to their name.
“I just wanted to go to a franchise where I could try to help build a legacy.”
Leonard highlighted his desire to lift the Clippers to new heights and create something special in a franchise that had long lived in the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers. In the summer of 2019, Leonard had the NBA world at his feet after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship and securing his second Finals MVP award.
As a highly coveted free agent, Leonard had several high-profile suitors, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers. While many expected him to either re-sign with the Raptors or join LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form a “Big 3” with the Lakers, Leonard ultimately made the surprising decision to sign with the Clippers.
For Leonard, the allure of creating a legacy with the Clippers, a team that had never even made a conference finals appearance at that point, was too appealing to ignore. While he had the option to join the star-studded Lakers and compete for championships immediately, Leonard saw the Clippers as a team where he could take on a bigger role in shaping the future.
Joining the Lakers, while tempting, would have meant sharing the spotlight with established superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In contrast, Leonard envisioned himself as the cornerstone of a Clippers team that was looking to build its own identity and achieve success under his leadership.
Leonard’s decision was further influenced by the opportunity to play alongside Paul George. Despite their potential, Leonard and George’s partnership with the Clippers has faced numerous challenges, primarily due to injuries. Both players have been sidelined for extended periods, limiting their ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Although the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, injuries derailed their championship aspirations, and they never reached the NBA Finals. Their era came to an end as George left the Clippers in free agency to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Still, Leonard remains committed to his mission of building a legacy with the Clippers. His focus on leaving a lasting impact in Los Angeles’ “other” team speaks to his long-term vision. Rather than taking the easier path of joining the Lakers, Leonard chose the Clippers as a project where he could write his own history and help elevate a franchise that has struggled to break through in the postseason.
While injuries have hampered his time with the Clippers, Leonard’s decision to join the team in 2019 remains a testament to his desire to be more than just another piece in a successful machine. He sought to be the catalyst for something greater, something that would define his career beyond just wins and championships.
Whether he ultimately achieves that legacy remains to be seen, but Leonard’s drive to take on that challenge has already left a significant mark on the Clippers and their aspirations for the future.
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