Stephen A. Smith has harsh words for Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith has harsh words for Clippers' Kawhi Leonard

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 4/21/23

In their 129-124 loss in Game 3 to Phoenix on Thursday, the Clippers clawed until the end without their superstar, Kawhi Leonard, a late scratch due to right knee soreness.

Los Angeles was already undermanned heading into the game without Paul George, who is still rehabbing from a sprained knee.

On Friday, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith ripped into Leonard for missing the first-round series game.

"Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen," he said on "First Take."

Here is the full clip:

"Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen." —@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/Q9dzgDiSxz
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 21, 2023

Smith's was a tad harsh, but his words ring true.

Without Leonard or George, the Clippers had no shot at pulling this game out — especially with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker on the other side.

If Los Angeles had Leonard, it probably would have been a different story. Leonard's unavailability is the most significant hole in his game, and it potentially could cost the Clippers their ticket out of the first round.

The last time Los Angeles made it out of the first round was 2021. Then Leonard suffered a torn ACL in the second round against the Utah Jazz in Game 4, ending the Clippers' hopes of reaching their first NBA Finals.

If Los Angeles has any hope of toppling revamped Suns, they will need Leonard playing at his best in every game — especially without George. He can't be great one night, looking like the superstar he is, and the next be sitting out with an injury.

Every season Leonard's availability comes into question. In the white-hot spotlight of the playoffs, his absence is especially glaring and a terrible look for the NBA.

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