Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has always had a reputation for keeping things short with the media. In fact, his public silence has often been contrasted with the expectations tied to modern athletes, where marketing, branding, and visibility are now part of the job. And Stephen A. Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of Leonard’s low-key presence.
From questioning his reliability in the playoffs due to recurring injuries to pointing out his lack of connection with fans, Smith rarely holds back when Leonard’s name comes up. Back in 2023, Smith even said, “I’m just looking at the dates and the calendar and I’m just waiting for Kawhi Leonard to get hurt, that’s all.” His frustration has only deepened with time, as Leonard’s absences and the Clippers’ struggles have com