The LA Clippers blew the Denver Nuggets out by 34 points in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs first round at Intuit Dome. After the game, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was scheduled to speak to the media at the press conference.
Upon his arrival in the media room, he noticed Gatorade bottles kept near the mics. Before he took the stand, he removed all the bottles from the table. While removing the bottles, Leonard reportedly said, “Take those Gatorades down… kids don’t need to be drinking that.”
When media members asked him about this decision and any alternatives, he held back on a truly transparent response. “I’m not going to mention it right now, you can talk to me after”, said Leonard. A wise decision from Leonard not to criticize Gatorade publicly, as the energy drink giants have been the NBA’s official energy drink since 1984. Hence, a public criticism and suggestion of alternatives would’ve likely drawn a fine from the league.
Kawhi apparently isn't a fan of gatorade lol
He was asked for healthy alternative but wouldn't tell pic.twitter.com/uQWCU2pKJS
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 25, 2025
However, this is not the first time Leonard has removed the Gatorade drinks from his press conference table. Even after the NBA All-Star Game in 2020, Leonard entered his press conference and immediately removed the Gatorade bottle from the table. But, at that time, his justification was different. He said, “Not sponsored by Gatorade”, simply implying he won’t promote them because they don’t sponsor him. But this time, he seems to have had a different agenda.
Likely Reason Why Kawhi Leonard Refuses To Promote Gatorade To Kids
Gatorade is a sugary energy drink. According to sources, drinking sugary energy drinks has several benefits and risks associated with it. For adults, it provides the necessary electrolytes to function at work throughout the day. But for kids, that energy requirement is not essential. Moreover, there are several health risks associated with sugary energy drinks like Gatorade. According to the British Medical Journal, Gatorade overuse can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and make users prone to diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Therefore, when Kawhi Leonard brings up a concern for the kids, it may stem from his altruism about the health and well-being of the kids. As per the Global Obesity Observatory data of 2024, 34.5% of all boys and 38% of all girls in the United States are facing overweight issues, while a significant portion are already classified as obese. Overall, they are ranked 22nd among all countries in the world struggling with child obesity. So if Kawhi claims he’s refusing to promote Gatorade for the kids, he may be aware of this situation in the country.
How Kawhi Leonard Bounced Back From His Health Issues?
After struggling with injuries all season (playing only 37 regular-season games), Leonard has made a statement entrance into the 2025 NBA Playoffs. For the regular season, Kawhi Leonard averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. But in just the three games played so far in the postseason this year, Leonard has averaged 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, showing key improvement in every aspect.
In Game 3 against the Nuggets last night, Kawhi Leonard was one of three Clippers players with 20+ points. He finished the game with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. His comments after the game today certainly show that he is health-conscious. But will he be able to stay healthy throughout the postseason? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
