What we learned from the LA Clippers’ win over the Lakers

Kawhi Leonard is better than we all thought

It seems foolish to say that we never expected a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP to be as good as they are, but that’s exactly the case with Kawhi Leonard.

After an impressive preseason, Leonard came out against the Lakers Tuesday night and proved why he belongs in the “best player in the world” conversation.

In just 31 minutes of action — slightly below the amount of time we expected to see him play — Leonard logged 30 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. The superstar wing made 10-19 shots overall and 9-10 attempts at the free-throw line.

It was evident during his time with the Toronto Raptors, and with the San Antonio Spurs as well, but Leonard has such control over the game when the ball is in his hands. Time seems to slow as he gets to his spot and seeks out the bucket he wants. He never looks off-balance, either. Every shot feels like it’s going to fall, and more often than not, it will.

Leonard’s passing was on full display in the LA Clippers’ victory as well, which is something we expected after seeing him do so in the preseason. Each of his five assists created easy scoring opportunities for his new teammates, and even when they didn’t convert those looks, Leonard ensured they at least got the best shot possible.

Leonard was stellar on the defensive end as well. He spent the majority of his night defending LeBron James, who finished with 18 points on 7-19 shooting from the floor. James finished the game with a plus/minus rating of -8, which was tied for the third-worst of the night.

It’s going to be a lot of fun watching Leonard run this team while Paul George continues to rehab his shoulders. There’s nothing he can’t do, whether that’s hitting fallaway jumpers in the corner or swatting away dunk attempts from the Lakers’ bigs.

Leonard made his presence felt all over the court. And for now, at least, he proved that LA is the Clippers’ city.