LeBron James Calls Kawhi Leonard “One of the Best Players Ever”
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Feb. 4, 2025 — INGLEWOOD, Calif. — After the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome, but LeBron James’ postgame focus rested on rival forward Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard scored 31 points on 11-for-19 shooting before leaving with about five minutes left because of ankle soreness. The Clippers, under .500 this season, had shown improved form in recent weeks behind Leonard’s resurgence from past lower-body injuries.
“Kawhi is awesome, man. He’s one of the best players ever,” James said. “Injuries are things you can’t control. What he controls is how he comes back and perseveres every single time.”
James noted that Leonard had initially been left off the All-Star roster despite “the type of basketball he’s been playing the last couple months.” He also expressed disappointment that Leonard could not join the 2024 U.S. Olympic team because of injury. “I was looking forward to teaming up with Kawhi,” James added.
The two stars have gone head-to-head in Los Angeles since 2019, and Leonard will turn 35 before next season begins. While the Clippers weigh future roster decisions, James emphasized he is not taking Leonard’s performances for granted.
James, now in his 23rd NBA season, entered Friday’s game listed as questionable with knee soreness but chose to play, preserving the Lakers’ first opportunity for a fully healthy lineup this year.
Source: Lakers Nation
