Kawhi Leonard Reacts to Clippers’ Deadline Shake-Up as L.A. Teams Look Toward the Future
The Clippers made waves at the trade deadline, moving James Harden and Ivica Zubac in a clear pivot toward youth and long-term assets. Kawhi Leonard, never one for dramatic soundbites, kept his response measured-but there was no mistaking the shift in tone.
“Just trying to get younger,” Leonard said, acknowledging the team’s aging roster coming into the season. “It makes sense for them to try to get some assets and try to build for the future.”
Leonard didn’t sugarcoat the reality: this was a significant change in direction from where the Clippers seemed to be heading just a few weeks ago. “I thought we were tracking well the last six weeks,” he added.
“Not saying we were contenders, but we thought we could make some noise or mess someone’s season up. Now the tides changed.”
It’s a candid reflection from a player who’s seen plenty of playoff battles and knows what a contender looks like. The Clippers were starting to gel, but the front office clearly decided the ceiling wasn’t high enough to justify staying the course. With an eye on a potentially deep 2027 draft class, they opted to reset.
Leonard, under contract through next season, was noncommittal when asked about his long-term future with the team. “Right now I’m not thinking of anything else but trying to finish this season off. And that’s the main goal,” he said.
Behind the scenes, teams reportedly reached out to the Clippers about Leonard’s availability, but none of those conversations gained real traction. According to league insider Chris Haynes, Leonard’s camp isn’t rushing into extension talks either. That conversation is expected to pick up again this summer, where the Clippers will have to decide: lock him in or consider a blockbuster move.
Across the Hall: Lakers Stay Active, Eye Bigger Moves
The Lakers were also busy behind the scenes ahead of the deadline. Rookie Dalton Knecht was aggressively shopped, according to reports, as the front office explored options to reshape the roster. While no deal materialized, the Lakers remain active on the market.
They’re among the teams keeping tabs on Haywood Highsmith, recently waived by the Nets, and could also have interest in Cam Thomas. But the real fireworks may come this summer. With three first-round picks available on draft night and more cap flexibility than any other contender, the Lakers are positioning themselves for a potential run at Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That’s the kind of swing-for-the-fences move this front office has made before-and with the right pieces in place, they could be ready to do it again.
Injury Update: Doncic Sits, But Optimism Remains
Luka Doncic will miss today’s game against Golden State due to a left hamstring strain suffered in Thursday’s matchup with Philadelphia. The Lakers are hopeful it’s not a serious issue, and there’s optimism that Doncic won’t be out long-term.
The team will certainly be cautious with their superstar, especially with the postseason picture still wide open.
Maxi Kleber’s Impact Goes Beyond the Box Score
Veteran forward Maxi Kleber doesn’t always light up the stat sheet, but his presence continues to resonate within the Lakers’ locker room. In the recent win over the Sixers, Kleber chipped in with a well-rounded effort-four points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals-showing once again why he’s so valued by teammates and coaches alike.
“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, set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is the kind of glue guy every contending team needs. Whether he stays in L.A. or not, his steady play and leadership have made an impression.
Looking Ahead
For both L.A. teams, the trade deadline wasn’t just about this season-it was about setting the stage for what’s next. The Clippers are recalibrating around a younger core, while the Lakers are keeping their powder dry for a potential summer splash. And in the middle of it all, stars like Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic are navigating their own uncertain paths.
The moves may be done for now, but the real drama is just getting started.