All Clippers

LeBron James Makes Honest Kawhi Leonard Statement After Lakers-Clippers

The LA Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at Intuit Dome.

Joey Linn

Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Intuit Dome.
Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Intuit Dome. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In this story:

The LA Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at Intuit Dome on Sunday night. Winning the first of four games in this season series, the Clippers also created some separation in the Western Conference standings.

Now 4-1 since welcoming Kawhi Leonard back, the Clippers are 24-17 overall. This ranks fifth in the West, and 1.5 games above the sixth seed Lakers.

Leonard finished with 19 points in 24 minutes on Sunday, knocking down nine of his 13 field goal attempts. Often matched up with Lakers star LeBron James, Leonard guarded him on the second-most possessions of any Clippers (via the NBA’s matchup data).

LeBron James
Jan 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Intuit Dome. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Speaking with reporters after the game, James was asked about Leonard.

“For me, it’s always great to go against the best,” James said of the Clippers star. “I know I don’t have that many opportunities to continue to go against the best. So it was great to have him back out there.”

The two-time Finals MVP also reached 14,000 points of his career on Sunday.

“I’m not looking at that as a milestone," Leonard said. "I’m more of a team guy and get the win.. be the last team standing. But thank God for being able to get that opportunity. Most people don’t. I take every opportunity and blessing and don’t take it for granted.”

Leonard is now 13-8 vs. James in his career, not including a 7-5 record in the postseason.

Related Articles

Ex-NBA Star Calls Out Drake for DeMar DeRozan Comments

Patrick Beverley Makes Statement on Possible NBA Comeback

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Honest Statement on Clippers-Thunder Trade

Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

Home/News