KAWHI LEONARD ON THE LAKERS?I've usually been able to support and root for enemy players joining the Lakers because I value winning so much but I don't know if I could ever support or root for Kawhi Leonard to wear the purple and gold.What's crazy about the league voiding his… https://t.co/oON06FRT2G pic.twitter.com/ue7IFFicjW— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 8, 2025
Hard for me to see this as being likely to happen. In general, the players aren’t punished for the transgressions of management. In the case of Joe Smith, I believe he had just inked a new deal. Kawhi is in the middle of his.
Furthermore, if the contact is voided, his Bird Rights go with it. If I’m Kawhi and you’re looking at playing somewhere for the vet minimum…which means he’ll sit out the season to work on his leg health which has been the issue that has defined his career to date which is another reason teams won’t take a flyer on him…I consider retiring. He’s made $328 mil in hoops money alone plus the side hustle cash. He’s a two time NBA champ and a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. He’s 34, there are fewer healthy years ahead of him.
I think Kawhi can’t make a decision without consulting his uncle….if his team of representatives and the clippers/ballmer are guilty….his current contract should be voided, and heavy fines should be paid (5-10X the Joe smith fines), 5 first round picks, and 1 year suspension of those involved, GM. owner, Kawhi….