Kawhi Leonard gets brutally honest when Chris Paul retires

Kawhi Leonard there is there is a lot going on in his life currently, but is still expected to lead Los Angeles Clippers (26-28) during this transition period. James Harden and Ivica Zubac were moved at the trade deadline, pushing the franchise into a new era. However, the two-time NBA Finals MVP is still the core of this team. He has the task of attaching the clips, like Chris Paul did many years ago.

Although the two future Hall of Famers haven’t shared a locker room for long, both understand what it means to be the best guy to the Los Angeles Lakers’ “little brother.” Bringing pride and prestige to a historically embattled franchise can be a painstaking job. The Clippers are still looking for their first Finals appearance, but both have done their best to keep the team respectable. There is a certain bond that is created from carrying the same responsibility.

Amid significant roster changes, Leonard is trying to be the stabilizing force that Paul was in a previous era of Clippers basketball. He appreciates it even more now newly retired point guard. Three-time All-NBA First Team selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year talked about influence that Paul made on him and on the sport as a whole.

“He’s always been great,” Leonard told senior NBA insider Chris Haynes ahead of All-Star weekend. “A leader, a guy who takes care of his family, gives you advice on and off the floor. He was one of my favorite players coming up, watched him a lot growing up. {Watched} his leadership and how dedicated he was to trying to win the basketball game, his handle, his IQ. So, kudos to him. He did that for a lot of years at guard, especially at guard.

“I think you’re going to see the things he’s done. Congratulations on his career.”

Caught with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard in LA ahead of Sunday’s All-Star game. He touched on a lot of topics, including whether the boys will play hard. pic.twitter.com/ppgZi4L5uU

— Chris Haines (@ChrisBHaines) February 14, 2026

Chris Paul didn’t get the send-off Clippers fans wanted

Paul planned to end his stellar NBA streak with a second stint in LA, but it became apparent early in the 2025-26 campaign that he didn’t fit in with this iteration of the Clippers. The two sides parted ways in December, then the organization made the split official when it traded the four-time All-NBA first teamer to the Toronto Raptors last week. He gave up on Friday and immediately announced that he was retiringclosing the book on a 21-year NBA career.

Although Paul’s final chapter was overwhelming and full of tension, Leonard is happy to call him a teammate, if only for a little while. The 34-year-old forward will try to finish what Chris Paul started in Los Angeles and return the Clippers to title contention.

Despite being 10th in the West, LA has been performing at a high level for most of the last two months. Fans are hoping that No. 2 can keep the team relevant, just like No. 3 did before him.