LeBron James Was Suddenly Dragged Into A Scandal, Kawhi Leonard Chose To Sign With The Clippers Because He Didn’t Want To Play With LeBron James

In the summer of 2019, Kawhi Leonard was on top of the basketball world. Having just led the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship with a legendary playoff run, Leonard had his pick of any team in the league. As one of the most coveted free agents in recent memory, multiple franchises vied for his commitment—including the Los Angeles Lakers, home to LeBron James, the most famous basketball player of the era.

But despite the bright lights of Hollywood and the opportunity to form a “superteam” alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard didn’t want to play with LeBron James. Instead, he chose to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, a move that shocked fans, analysts, and even front office executives. Now, years later, that decision is still a point of intrigue—and debate.

The Summer of Kawhi: A Historic Free Agency

After winning Finals MVP with the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard became arguably the best player on the planet. He had just defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference Finals and took down the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Free agency opened with every contender dreaming of adding him to their roster.

The Lakers appeared to be a natural fit. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on the roster, adding Kawhi would create a trio capable of dominating the NBA for years. It would also give Leonard a chance to return home to Southern California. But the Lakers were ultimately left disappointed.

According to multiple reports, Leonard never seriously considered joining LeBron James in purple and gold. As Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star revealed, “Leonard didn’t want to play with LeBron James, so the Lakers were a third wheel in the sweepstakes.”

Why Kawhi Didn’t Want to Join LeBron

There were several reasons why Kawhi Leonard rejected the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James, and most of them stem from Leonard’s distinct personality and basketball philosophy.

1. Legacy and Identity

Kawhi Leonard is known for his quiet demeanor and laser focus on basketball. He has never been one for headlines or social media drama. Joining a team led by LeBron—who commands media attention and is the face of the league—could have meant becoming a secondary star. Kawhi had just led a team to a title as the undisputed alpha. He wasn’t eager to become a co-star in someone else’s narrative.

2. Control of the Offense

On the court, LeBron James dominates the ball. While Kawhi is a different type of player, he too likes to control the tempo and work in isolation. Sharing the floor with LeBron could have led to awkward fits in offensive flow. Leonard wanted a system built around his strengths, not one where he’d need to constantly adjust to LeBron’s game.

3. Privacy and Culture

The Lakers, for all their prestige, are a high-profile franchise. Every move is scrutinized. Leonard, a known introvert, values privacy. The Clippers offered a quieter atmosphere, and their front office reportedly gave Leonard more input and flexibility, including rest and rehab considerations.

How the Clippers Secured Kawhi: The Paul George Trade

Leonard’s decision to join the Clippers wasn’t made in a vacuum. He reportedly told the Clippers he would only sign if they made a major move to build a competitive roster. That led to one of the most dramatic trades in recent NBA history.

The Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and five first-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Paul George, a two-way star coming off an MVP-caliber season.

It was a steep price, but it got the deal done. With Paul George in place, Kawhi Leonard officially signed with the Clippers, creating a new contender in Los Angeles—one that didn’t include LeBron James.

The Aftermath: Did Kawhi Make the Right Choice?

In hindsight, Kawhi Leonard’s decision to avoid the Lakers and join the Clippers is still controversial. While the Lakers won the 2020 NBA Championship inside the Orlando bubble, the Clippers have failed to reach the NBA Finals during the Leonard-George era.

Injuries played a major role in their playoff shortcomings. Leonard has missed significant time with knee issues, and Paul George has also struggled to stay on the floor consistently. Despite strong regular seasons, the Clippers haven’t delivered in the postseason.

However, the 2025–26 season may be Kawhi’s best shot yet.

The Current Clippers Roster: A Final Push?

In the most recent offseason, the Clippers reloaded their roster with major talent:

• Bradley Beal, a proven scorer and floor-spacer.

• Chris Paul, returning to Los Angeles in search of a title.

• Brook Lopez, adding rim protection and veteran savvy.

• John Collins, a dynamic forward with athleticism and versatility.

• James Harden, still capable of elite playmaking when healthy.

On paper, this is one of the most complete rosters in the Western Conference. If Leonard can stay healthy, 2026 may be the season that validates his decision from 2019.

The Lakers Without Kawhi

Meanwhile, the Lakers regrouped, won the 2020 title, and continued to build around LeBron and Anthony Davis. While their roster has undergone significant changes since then, the franchise remains competitive. But there’s no doubt that Kawhi Leonard joining the Lakers could have led to a dynasty.

Even LeBron admitted later that they “pushed hard for Kawhi,” believing he would be the final piece. In the end, it didn’t happen—and it may have changed the trajectory of the league for several seasons.

Conclusion: A Defining Career Choice

Kawhi Leonard didn’t want to play with LeBron James—and he made a move that reflected his priorities: autonomy, leadership, and personal legacy.

While the championship success hasn’t come (yet) in a Clippers uniform, the decision revealed who Kawhi Leonard is as a competitor and a person. He’s not one to chase easy rings or ride another superstar’s wave. He wants to win on his terms, in his way.

With a new season looming and a stacked roster in place, Leonard has a chance to rewrite the story—and perhaps silence critics once and for all. The spotlight is back, and if he delivers, his choice to avoid LeBron James may no longer be seen as a mistake, but as the boldest bet of his career.