'I’ve talked to Kawhi in nights he almost cried' - Ty Lue defends Kawhi Leonard from fans teasing him about his injury history

Fans have heard his story many times before. Despite Kawhi Leonard’s undeniable talent, injuries have cast a shadow over his career, frustrating fans and teammates alike. The narrative surrounding the 33-year-old is one of immense skill paired with untimely setbacks, raising questions about his long-term impact and durability.

Unfortunate luck

Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, Leonard has battled with availability, especially during the playoffs. A torn ACL in the 2021 playoffs sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021-22 season, and recurring knee issues have plagued him ever since. These persistent injuries have drawn criticism, with fans questioning his dedication and longevity.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has witnessed the forward’s struggles firsthand. Speaking candidly about the star’s situation, the coach painted a different picture from the one often portrayed by fans.

“For him, it’s more frustrating; he wants to be on the floor; he wants to play every single night, and it’s just bad timing,” Lue said. “It’s not like he said, ‘We get to the playoffs, and I don’t want to play. It’s been some tough days; it’s been some tough nights. I’ve talked to Kawhi on nights where he almost cried just talking about how he’s let the team down. But you can’t do anything about injuries; he’s another guy that works extremely hard every single day to be on the floor, to be on the court, and it’s just unfortunate luck.”

The two-time champion’s work ethic has never been in question. Whether it’s hours in the weight room or fine-tuning his game, his commitment remains steadfast. Yet, the frustration builds as setbacks continue to derail his ability to compete consistently.

A legacy of injuries

The San Diego State product entered the NBA in 2011 as the No. 15 overall pick by the Indiana Pacers before an immediate trade to the San Antonio Spurs. His potential was clear from the start, with his defensive prowess and quiet demeanor fitting perfectly into Gregg Popovich’s system.

“The Klaw” flourished, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and leading the Spurs to an NBA championship in 2014, where he was named Finals MVP. However, injuries began creeping into his career even in those early years.

By the time the former Finals MVP left San Antonio in 2018, disputes about his health and treatment had soured relationships. After a mysterious quad injury limited him to just nine games during the 2017-18 season, the small forward requested a trade, landing with the Toronto Raptors. It was a fresh start, but the injuries remained a concern.

His playoff career is a testament to his ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. The same player who orchestrated the Raptors’ 2019 championship run and delivered one of the most clutch shots in NBA history still exists.

During the 2019 postseason, he hit an iconic game-winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Game 7, featuring a shot that saw the basketball bounce on the rim four times before falling, was a moment for the ages.

“One day he has 35 [points], and the next he doesn’t play, but it’s not by design. I mean, this guy works hard every single day—in the weight room, on the court, in his game, everything, every single day, and it’s sad to me because I see the work he puts in, our players see the work he puts in, our organization sees it, and then when it’s time to play, he can’t go,” Lue said.

He led Toronto to their first-ever NBA championship, winning his second Finals MVP. But even then, the former No. 15 pick played through knee tendinitis, a condition that seemed manageable at the time but hinted at future struggles.

This year, the former Spurs and Raptors star faced yet another setback. Less than a week before the Clippers’ season opener against the Phoenix Suns, it was announced that he would miss significant time due to right knee inflammation. He was also forced to withdraw from the 2024 Summer Olympics due to the same issue.