‘He Doesn’t Want to Sit!’ – Tyronn Lue Defends Kawhi Leonard in Explosive Interview

For years, Kawhi Leonard has been one of the NBA’s most enigmatic superstars — dominant on the court, quiet off of it, and often the center of criticism about his availability. But now, Tyronn Lue, head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, is speaking out and shutting down the harsh narratives that have surrounded Leonard in recent seasons.

In an eye-opening interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay,” Lue finally gave fans a look behind the curtain — exposing the real reason Kawhi Leonard misses games, especially back-to-backs, and making it clear that the load management isn’t coming from the player himself.

The Myth of Kawhi “Choosing” to Sit

Ask around the league, and many fans will tell you they believe Kawhi Leonard just doesn’t want to play. They cite the frequency with which he sits out games, particularly those on the second night of a back-to-back, and conclude that he’s soft, lazy, or uninterested.

But as Lue explains, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“I feel sorry for him, you know? Because all the work he puts in – we see it every day,” Lue said on the show. “And just what it takes to get on the floor on a consistent basis – it takes a lot for him to get out there.”

Leonard has long battled chronic knee issues, dating back to his 2017 playoff injury against the Golden State Warriors while with the San Antonio Spurs. Since then, he’s undergone multiple procedures and has been under strict medical supervision to manage his health.

And according to Lue, Kawhi Leonard often pushes to play more, not less.

“Sometimes, it’s coming from us,” Lue continued. “It’s coming from [President of Basketball Operations] Lawrence Frank, the medical staff. We’ve got to protect him from himself… sometimes he wants to play back-to-backs.”

The Reality: Protecting Kawhi From Himself

One of the most important revelations from Lue’s interview is this: Kawhi Leonard’s rest schedule is not player-driven — it’s medically mandated.

The Clippers’ staff understands something fans may forget: this is a player who has already put his body through wars, who plays hard on both ends of the floor, and who is expected to carry a franchise come playoff time.

“His whole mindset is to win championships – and that’s what he wants to do,” Lue emphasized.

And he’s proven that. When healthy, Kawhi Leonard is a top-five playoff performer in the modern era. A two-time NBA Finals MVP, he led the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in 2019 and was the best player on the floor for the Spurs in their 2014 title run.

A Look at the Numbers: Kawhi’s Availability in Context

Let’s not forget that the 2023-24 season marked a turning point for Kawhi Leonard. He played in 68 games, the most he had suited up for since the 2016-17 season.

That year was a major milestone — not just statistically, but psychologically. It helped re-establish the narrative that Leonard could be relied upon when managed properly.

Unfortunately, in the 2024 playoffs, Kawhi suffered another knee injury against the Dallas Mavericks, derailing his momentum. As a result, he played just 37 games during the 2024-25 season, though he was incredibly effective in those appearances, averaging:

• 21.5 points

• 5.9 rebounds

• 3.1 assists

• 1.6 steals

His shooting splits? Elite. 49.8% from the field, 41.1% from three, and 81% from the free-throw line.

In short: when Kawhi is on the floor, he’s still elite.

The Bigger Picture: Managing a Championship Window

What Tyronn Lue and the Clippers are managing is not just a player — but a fragile championship window.

The 2025-26 season features a revamped roster with James Harden, Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and a returning Chris Paul. The Clippers are deeper and more talented than ever, and their goal is crystal clear: make a deep postseason run.

But none of that matters if Kawhi Leonard isn’t healthy in April.

And that’s why load management is not about laziness or lack of desire — it’s about survival. It’s about doing what’s necessary now so Kawhi can dominate later, just like he did in 2019.

Public Perception vs. Behind-the-Scenes Truth

It’s easy for fans to judge from the outside. From a distance, resting players — especially highly-paid stars — looks like a business decision rather than a competitive one.

But Tyronn Lue has made it clear: what fans see is only part of the story. Behind the scenes, Kawhi Leonard is grinding every single day to stay in shape, rehab his knees, and maintain a level of physicality that most players could not sustain after multiple injuries.

The truth is: Leonard is not lazy — he’s disciplined. He’s committed. And the organization believes in him enough to plan their title hopes around his health.

Why Ty Lue’s Comments Matter Right Now

This interview comes at a critical time for the Clippers. With one of their most talented rosters in years and a healthy Kawhi leading the charge, the team is poised for what could be their last great shot at a title with this core.

Lue’s words serve not only to defend his superstar, but to set the tone for the season. He’s telling fans, media, and critics alike: trust the process.

Yes, Leonard will rest. Yes, he may miss back-to-backs. But if it means he’s ready for the postseason, then it’s all worth it.

Final Thoughts: The Kawhi Leonard Debate Should Be Over

The criticism surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s availability has always ignored the full context — now, thanks to Tyronn Lue, that context is finally public.

Leonard doesn’t sit games by choice. He isn’t preserving energy out of laziness. He’s fighting his own body, pushing through rehab, and relying on a medical staff that’s trying to extend his career and protect the Clippers’ title dreams.

As Lue said, “We’ve got to protect him from himself.” That’s not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of leadership.

And if all goes according to plan, we’ll see Kawhi Leonard, not in meaningless February games — but dominating in May and June, right where he belongs.