Clippers Hit the Reset Button, Kawhi Leonard Reacts to Trade Deadline Shake-Up
The Clippers made some noise ahead of the trade deadline, and not the kind fans were expecting. With James Harden and Ivica Zubac both shipped out, L.A. took a sharp turn toward the future - and Kawhi Leonard, the team’s franchise cornerstone, didn’t shy away from addressing the shift.
“Just trying to get younger,” Leonard said when asked about the moves. “We came in the year with the oldest team. It makes sense for them to try to get some assets and try to build for the future.”
It’s a measured take from a player who’s seen enough in this league to understand the business side of the game. But Leonard also made it clear - this wasn’t the trajectory he envisioned just a few weeks ago.
“I thought we were tracking well the last six weeks,” he said. “Everybody has human nature.
It’s a complete turnaround from what I thought we could potentially do. Not saying we were contenders, but we thought we could make some noise or mess someone’s season up.
Now the tides changed.”
The Clippers had been rounding into form, and while they weren’t exactly title favorites, they were starting to look like a team no one wanted to see in the first round. That momentum has now been disrupted, and Leonard admitted the team is in reset mode - at least for now.
“We’ll get back into it, hopefully after All-Star,” he added.
As for his own future with the organization, Leonard kept things close to the vest. He’s signed through next season, but when asked directly if he wanted to stay in L.A., he didn’t bite.
“Yeah, I mean right now I’m not thinking of anything else but trying to finish this season off. And that’s the main goal.”
Clippers Taking Calls, But No Kawhi Deal on the Table - Yet
While there was some buzz around Leonard’s availability, nothing gained serious traction. Multiple teams reportedly reached out to the Clippers to gauge interest in a potential trade, but talks didn’t advance.
According to league insider Chris Haynes, Leonard’s camp isn’t rushing into extension conversations either. That leaves the door wide open for a pivotal summer - one where Leonard could either ink a new deal or find himself on the move.
Lakers Active at the Deadline, Eyes on Bigger Game This Summer
Across the hallway at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers were busy themselves. Rookie Dalton Knecht was aggressively shopped ahead of the deadline, signaling that L.A. is keeping its options open - both for now and for what’s coming in the offseason.
According to reports, the Lakers are among the teams showing interest in Haywood Highsmith, who was recently waived by Brooklyn, and possibly Cam Thomas. But the real headline here is the summer. With three first-round picks available on draft night and more cap flexibility than any other contending team, the Lakers are positioning themselves to make a run at a superstar - and yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be on their radar.
Injury Watch: Luka Doncic Sidelined, But Optimism Remains
Lakers star Luka Doncic will sit out today’s matchup against Golden State due to a left hamstring strain. The injury occurred during Thursday’s game against Philadelphia, but early indications suggest it’s not a major issue. The team is expected to take a cautious approach, especially with the All-Star break around the corner.
Maxi Kleber Steps Up, Teammates Praise the Vet
In the win over the Sixers, veteran forward Maxi Kleber quietly filled up the stat sheet - four points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals. It wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of all-around contribution that doesn’t go unnoticed in the locker room.
“The ultimate professional,” said guard Marcus Smart. “There’s a reason why Maxi is still in this league, still playing and there’s a reason why he’s on this team with us. There’s a reason why we celebrate him the way we do.”
Kleber is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and while his minutes have been limited, his presence clearly resonates with his teammates.
Bottom Line
The Clippers are hitting the reset button, the Lakers are gearing up for a major summer, and both teams are navigating the always unpredictable stretch run before the All-Star break. For Kawhi Leonard, the future remains uncertain - but he’s focused on the now. And in a league that changes fast, that might be the only thing any player can control.