The Los Angeles Clippers have displayed potential in recent seasons. Although they have yet to make a deep postseason run, expectations are high for the team heading into the 2025-26 campaign. However, will the Kawhi Leonard scandal negatively impact the Clippers' momentum?
For those who may not be aware, the Leonard scandal revolves around allegations that the Clippers made a deal with a fraudulent company to circumvent the NBA's salary cap to pay Leonard more money. The alleged scandal is being investigated by the league. The Clippers are hopeful that the issue will not hinder the team's performance in 2025-26.
It remains to be seen if there will be any form of punishment. With the investigation still on-going, updates will be provided as they are made available. The situation features the potential to create a distraction -- and that is something both Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers obviously want to avoid.
Clippers need Kawhi Leonard on the floor
Leonard, 34, is one of the best players in the NBA. He has been limited by injuries in recent seasons, however. In 2024-25, the veteran forward appeared in only 37 games. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per outing during that span. Leonard also shot 49.8 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Still, with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the roster, the Clippers could make serious noise in the standings this year. Los Angeles has done a respectable job of adding depth around the stars as well, something that projects to bode well for the team's potential success.
So, will this Leonard scandal prove to be a distraction? In the end, these players are professionals. They are no strangers to outside noise and criticism. Leonard and his teammates may have to answer questions about the situation, but they understand what it requires to not let outside distractions impact team performance.
The real question is what kind of punishment/penalties could occur once the investigation is completed. That remains to be seen, of course. All the Clippers can do right now is focus on the upcoming campaign. From a performance standpoint, Leonard and the team will likely be able to avoid the situation becoming too much of a hindrance on the floor.
The Clippers unquestionably need Kawhi Leonard in order to accomplish their lofty goals. Fans will closely monitor the situation moving forward.