Why did Steven A. Smith ‘surprises’ Kawhi Leonard as he insults him

As it is The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing to open the 2025-26 NBA season Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz, ESPN Stephen A. Smith offered a mixture of criticism and admiration for Kawhi Leonard during his final appearance at 7pm in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony.

Smith, known for his outspoken views on the stars, discussed the Clippers’ prospects and Leonard’s reputation for workload management, sparking a renewed debate about the power forward’s availability.

“If the Clippers — say, for example — win the West? I think we should serenade CP3. Let’s have a damn parade for it in LA,” Smith said. “But let me tell you something right now…Mr. Load Management. Kawhi Leonard. I mean, listen – that brother is a two-time champion and two-time Finals MVP…but he’s really a champ at getting days off. Nobody did this (beep) better than him.”

Smith continued his remarks with disbelief and grudging praise.

“I mean, I look at him … people think I’m insulting him. I’m like — no — I admire his spirit,” Smith added. “I’m like, ‘How did he do that?’ Like – how? I mean… he’s the reason I stopped talking about Kirie. I mean, this (bleep) is going to miss some games. He will miss some games.”

The comments come as Leonard enters his sixth season with the Clippers after a 2024-25 season in which he played 37 games and averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Despite his limited appearances, Leonard remained very efficient, shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point range.

Criticism by Steven A. Smith is fueling attention on Kawhi Leonard ahead of the Clippers’ opener

Leonard’s availability has long been the focus of public debate from his time with the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs. While his approach to load management has preserved him healthy for deep playoff runs, it has also drawn criticism from analysts like Smith, who argue that a consistent presence on the field is essential to the franchise’s rhythm and chemistry.

Smith’s comments about the Clippers also apply to the team’s revamped lineup heading into the new season. Los Angeles added several key veterans during the offseason, including Chris Paul, Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, while by acquiring forward John Collins in the trade that sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat. With Leonard at the helm, the Clippers enter the season viewed as a legitimate contender in a competitive Western Conference that features the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and perennial power Denver Nuggets.

Despite the criticism, Smith’s tone ultimately underscored a grudging respect for Leonard’s career accomplishments. The two-time Finals MVP remains one of the most effective two-way players in basketball when healthy, capable of controlling games on both ends of the floor.

The Clippers will try to prove Smith wrong — or maybe right — in the season opener at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET. Whether Leonard’s cautious approach continues to draw scrutiny or brings success in the postseason, his presence remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating stories in the NBA heading into 2025-26.