Clippers Make Kawhi Leonard, James Harden Decision Before NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden led the Clippers to a 109-91 preseason win over the Kings.
Coach Tyronn Lue announced his decision on the two stars after Wednesday's win.
Leonard and Harden will be at the center of the Clippers' title hopes this season.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden helped lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-91 win over the Sacramento Kings in Wednesday’s NBA preseason game. Leonard registered 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting, along with two rebounds, two assists and a block in 27 minutes of action. Harden, on the other hand, logged eight points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal in 23 minutes of play.

The Clippers improved to 1-1 in the preseason after their convincing win against the Kings. Their next game will be on Friday against the Golden State Warriors, but it has now been confirmed that L.A. will be without its stars for that final tune-up contest.

Los Angeles Clippers stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard sit on the bench. © Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Clippers are looking to compete for a championship this coming season. After making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, the last four years have been disappointing for L.A. They missed the postseason entirely in 2022, which was followed by three straight first-round exits, including last season’s heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the opening round.

Leonard and Harden will be the centerpiece of the Clippers’ title hopes this year. However, both stars will be given the night off on Friday when L.A. travels to the Bay Area to battle the Warriors at Chase Center.

Head Coach Tyronn Lue announced after Wednesday’s victory that both Leonard and Harden will not play on Friday against Golden State.

“Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are done for the 2025 preseason, per Tyronn Lue,” reported Law Murray of the Athletic on X.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are done for the 2025 preseason, per Tyronn Lue.
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 16, 2025

It does not seem like Harden or Leonard has sustained any injury, and L.A.’s decision to have them sit out the Warriors game is merely for rest. The two Clippers stars should be good to go when L.A. opens its season with a road matchup against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Leonard and Harden are both under contract with the Clippers through 2027. Harden, however, has a player option on his deal and can decide to enter free agency at the end of the upcoming season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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