Kawhi Leonard raises eyebrows with ‘better talent’ message after Clippers loss vs Lakers

Kawhi Leonard demands more from LA Clippers players

Leonard first explained that the Clippers did not have the “talent” to match the Lakers in his post-game interview.

“Just gotta get the right lineups on the court, I guess. Get some more talent. Play with better talent and see what happens,” he said.

Those words are normally used at this time of year to describe teams that need to add more quality before the trade deadline.

Which NBA star most needs to be TRADED before the deadline?

When asked whether that was his intention, Leonard then clarified that he meant the existing roster needs to play better.

“I’m saying, like, playing better. Like we all just gotta play better, make shots, move the ball a little bit more, trust one another, and just get better,” he continued.

But even if that were the case, his Clippers teammates may not have responded well to his harsh assessment.

LA Clippers can go all-in with John Collins trade package

The Clippers’ front office has the trade assets to improve the roster before the deadline if they want to.

John Collins is on a $26.5 million expiring contract that will be valuable to several rebuilding teams.

The Clippers could also give up their first-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032, as well as two 2026 second-rounders.

A combination of those assets could return the All-Star wing that would help them make the postseason.

The Clippers are rumored to be interested in DeMar DeRozan, who would be a solid addition, but they should probably target a younger player.