Stephen A. Smith says how he really feels about Kawhi following latest accusations

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers | Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages

The best players in the world can accomplish the most extraordinary things, and they would still be criticized for details about their success. This is a normal aspect of the media, and many superstars are mentally trained to listen but not respond.

In the past, James Harden has dealt with some unreasonable fire, especially after he was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers. This fiasco with Daryl Morey led Dallas Mavericks’ announcer Brian Dameris to speak his mind before the LA Clippers lost in a high-scoring match on the road.

Another member of the media, Stephen A. Smith, has consistently criticized the Clippers, but instead of Harden, it is Kawhi Leonard who is the target of criticism. He has tried to recommend retirement to Leonard in some of his more notable opinions, yet of course, the two-time champion paid no mind to it.

Furthermore, Smith’s words for Leonard have always been about his injury history. This, to every extent, is unfair, as he clearly loves basketball. If the Clippers’ superstar could have his basketball wishes granted, surely he would want to remain healthy for his third championship run.

However, today, Leonard and the Clippers have been in the spotlight of the national media for the wrong reasons. He, along with owner Steve Ballmer, is facing allegations of a potential scandal, and although it is early in the NBA investigation, Smith found a way to bring in injuries.

Stephen A. Smith harshly criticized Kawhi Leonard following the latest update on a scandal with the LA Clippers

This morning, Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer were accused of trying to avoid the salary cap using a tree service. The penalty of this action on the Clippers would be to a ridiculous extreme if the reports are accurate, and many would forever remember this happening before the start of LA’s 2025-26 training camp.

Moreover, Stephen A. Smith spoke about the scandal, and he did not beat around the bush when criticizing Leonard, per usual. Smith went under a microscope and formed a take on the superstar being paid without working, which relates to the injury history of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

The news released today and Leonard’s overall injury history are in two different ballparks of circumstances and factors, yet Smith indirectly showed how he really feels. Additionally, his words may be unnecessary, as reports are still fresh and there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that Ballmer and the two-way superstar are guilty.