Kawhi Leonard

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies Comments On Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith made a big splash with comments he made last week. The media icon went scorched earth with his thoughts on the legacy of Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has battled numerous injuries throughout his career. Including a knee injury that has him sidelined for the Clippers current playoff run. There’s no question that Leonard is one of the best players of his generation. However, Smith believes that Leonard will be remembered for being a much different player.

Last week on an edition of First Take, Smith made the comment that Leonard may be the worst superstar of all time. Those comments quickly spread through social media like wildfire. With many people wondering just what Smith meant by his words. During his remarks, Smith didn’t discredit the accolades that Leonard has acquired over his career. But instead, Smith spoke about the recent string of injuries that Leonard has dealt with. Smith claimed that Leonard’s recent availability has made his star shine a lot less than what many may conceive it to be shining.

Stephen A. Smith Stands By Recent Comments

However, over the weekend, unfortunate news was announced for Leonard’s family. Leonard’s sister was sentenced to life in prison for a murder of an elderly woman dated back in 2019. With that recent news, Smith wanted to clarify his statement from last week. “I said some things last week about Kawhi Leonard as a superstar. I meant every word of it. Having said all that, I said it unaware of some of the personal things his family has gotten into. I had no knowledge of that at the time.”

However, Smith did not apologize for his comments made toward Leonard. Smith stated that he didn’t know Leonard’s family was going through such a hard time when the comments were made. But Smith still stood strong in his statement about Leonard, the basketball player. Do you believe that Stephen A Smtih’s comments were unnecessary toward Leonard? Also, what did Smith’s statement on Monday really do for the comments he made? Let us know your thoughts on the issue in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Kawhi Leonard’s Sister Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder

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Kawhi Leonard’s sister, Kimesha Williams, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of an elderly woman in a Southern California casino in 2019. Williams ambushed 84-year-old Afaf Assad in the bathroom of the casino to rob her of a purse containing approximately $1,000 for gambling while her friend, Candace Townsel, kept watch. Assad was later found bleeding on the floor with a fractured skull. She died four days later.

“This has been a long, painful journey through the criminal court justice system,” Assad’s daughter, Mary, said in the victim impact statement, according to the report. “I still can’t believe my mother was the victim of a violent crime. … Part of me died in that hospital room with her. My father is without his wife and partner and is isolated and alone in a way we cannot begin to understand … We seek not vengeance but there needs to be a reckoning for their heinous act.”

Kawhi Leonard Playing For The Clippers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 16: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the first half Game. One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Kimesha Williams argued that she did not kill Assad in a statement read in court by her attorney. “I am so sorry for your loss,” Williams’ statement read. She added: “I have been praying for you and your family every day. I am not responsible for the death of Mrs. Assad. Although the courts have found me guilty of the charges, we all know the truth, and that there is one judge, and that is God, and that he knows the truth.”

Leonard has not commented on the sentencing. He’s currently sitting out of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns due to a knee injury. Without Leonard, the Clippers are currently down 3-1 in the series to the Suns. The 31-year-old star scored 38 and 31 points in the first two games of the series. It is unclear when Leonard will be able to return to the court.

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Russell Westbrook Comments On Kawhi Leonard Injury

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Russell Westbrook has fit in quite well in his short time with the Los Angeles Clippers. The former league MVP has been adjusting to a different role during the 2023 playoffs. However, now it seems Westbrook may have to become the first option for the Clippers. Before Game 3 on Thursday, it was announced that Kawhi Leonard would miss the game due to a knee sprain. The Clippers are already without Paul George, so losing Leonard is massive.

On Friday, Westbrook was asked about Leonard’s recent injury. Here’s what Westbrook had to say. “I just feel sorry for him. Probably was playing the best basketball in a while and probably the best in the world. Just sucks for him, mentally… If he’s not back, we gotta rally around each other.” The injury is unfortunate for Leonard. You never want to see a team lose such a vital piece of their success at such a crucial time. However, Westbrook understands the team needs to focus on the task at hand. Beating the Phoenix Suns.

Russell Westbrook Focused On Phoenix

On Friday, Stephen A. Smith took a massive shot at Leonard’s recent availability. Smith claimed that Leonard could be the worst superstar in the NBA. A strange title to give anyone. However, Smith is concerned with the injuries piling up for Leonard. But that doesn’t mean the injured star deserves the label of ‘worst superstar.’ However, the conversation does turn to many wondering if Leonard has become a liability for the Clippers. A team that sees their playoff run slowly closing before their eyes.

Westbrook has the experience of leading a team in the playoffs. The former league MVP became the focal point of the Oklahoma City Thunder once Kevin Durant left town. However, the question still remains if Westbrook can be that player once again. The Clippers trail the series against the Suns 2-1. As Westbrook said, the team will need to band together if Leonard misses Game 4. Can Russell Westbrook lead the Clippers to playoff success? Let us know your thoughts on the Clippers chances in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Kawhi Leonard

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Stephen A. Smith went all in on Kawhi Leonard during Friday’s edition of First Take. When discussing the current NBA playoffs series between the Suns and Clippers, Smith took a moment to talk about Leonard. Leonard was ruled out of the Clippers Game 3 loss with a knee sprain. While Smith admitted to believing in Leonard’s injury. However, trusting Leonard to be available for the big games is the biggest issue Smith has with the superstar. Smith even went as far as to call Leonard one of the worst superstars in league history.

Obviously, Smith isn’t denying Leonard’s greatness. The Clippers star is a multi-time Finals MVP and has proven time and time again how great he can be in the post-season. However, in his tenure with the Clippers, Leonard’s problem is that he hasn’t been available. Injuries are a tough deal and sadly, a part of the game. But that isn’t the argument Smith is making. The legendary media personality wants to know how Leonard takes the load management he is offered during the regular season. But still isn’t available during the time his team needs him most.

Stephen A. Smith Questions Leonard’s Durability

Leonard has become one of the post-season players of his generation. But the Clippers haven’t seen the Leonard they thought they were getting when he arrived. Smith questioned Leonard’s reliability when it comes to performing for his team. The Clippers are already without Paul George. So losing Leonard has put the team behind massively. Now the questions are starting to be asked is Leonard even worth being on the team if he can’t play in the big moments?

Leonard’s availability for Game 4 of the series has not been made available. However, a knee sprain is not going to heal overnight. The Suns win on Thursday night put Phoenix up 2-1 in the series. Without Leonard, the Clippers will face a near-impossible task in coming back to advance past the first round. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on Leonard’s legacy? Or do you believe Leonard has just suffered unfortunate timing with injuries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Jack Harlow And Kawhi Leonard Take Turns Dunking On Each Other In A New Balance Commercial

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It seems as though Jack Harlow is tired of getting dunked on by Brandy, so why not let Kawhi Leonard have a turn instead? And while Leonard didn’t play a single game in the 2021-22 NBA season while he was rehabbing a knee injury suffered in the previous season’s playoffs, he showed in a brand new commercial for New Balance kicks that he’s ready to fly — although his defense might need some work before he’s at 100% again.

In the new spot for New Balance’s “We Got Now” campaign that is airing during the NBA playoffs, Harlow and Leonard are squaring off on a hilltop basketball court in a friendly game of one-on-one. Harlow, who’s set to star in the re-boot of White Men Can’t Jump, shows off his handles, before checking the ball to the Los Angeles Clippers star and the game begins. Leonard makes a fancy dribble before throwing down an uncontested dunk. They both sink an outside shot in each other’s face (Harlow with the skyhook!) before both taking the ball to the rack and throwing down a slam dunk. Now Kawhi can dunk in his sleep, but did anyone know that Harlow had that in his arsenal?? The “First Class” rapper is six foot three inches tall, but some people on social media weren’t so sure that this was a regulation hoop.

“Is the New Balance ad suggesting Jack Harlow can dunk on a full height rim?,” on Twitter user asked. “There’s absolutely no way in hell jack Harlow can dunk,” another protested. While a third got punny in saying, “Just saw an ad and jack Harlow dunked…? Wtf white men can dunk.”

Either way, the game between the pair was all love and we’ll see what Harlow brings to the Hollywood court in the upcoming flick.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

NBA Star Kawhi Leonard Rap Album Packed w/Hip-Hop Stars

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Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is continuing to merge the worlds of basketball and hip-hop with his announcement of a star-studded album. The Los Angeles Clippers player has announced the upcoming release of the first half of his rap project, Culture Jam Vol. 1. Kawhi Leonard To Drop Album For Greater Cause Kawhi Leonard is aiming to support […]

The ‘Kawhi Leonard Presents: Culture Jam Vol. 1’ Tracklist Is Absolutely Loaded

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While Kawhi Leonard won’t be suiting up for the Clippers anytime soon this season following offseason ACL surgery, he’s been keeping busy as a co-executive producer for the Culture Jam Vol. 1 compilation, scheduled to be released tomorrow via Virgin Music. Yesterday, Uproxx reported on the latest video drop from the album for A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie And Capella Gray’s “Bestie.” The track follows the first two releases from the album: Rod Wave and YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Everything Different” and “Waves” by Gunna and Polo G.

Now, one day ahead of the release, the full tracklist has been shared and it looks like Kawhi plucked the cream of the crop from All-Star Weekend function. “Gotta Have It” with Ty Dolla Sign, Stefflon Don, and recent Uproxx cover star Wale stands out as one to get hyped on. It should be noted that Leonard indicated that part of the proceeds will benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. In addition to the album, Leonard is presenting the Culture Jam Sports And Music Festival (CJ21) featuring Cordae, Bluebuckslean, and others, held at the Shrine Auditorium in LA on November 21st.

Check out the tracklist below.

1. NBA Youngboy and Rod Wave — “Everything Different”
2. Gunna and Polo G — “Waves”
3. Lil Uzi Vert — “Thankful”
4. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Capella Grey — “Bestie”
5. Ty Dolla Sign, Stefflon Don, and Wale — “Gotta Have It”
6. Yung Bleu and NLE Choppa — “Everywhere You Go”
7. Bluebucksclan — “No Thank You”

Kawhi Leonard Presents: Culture Jam Vol. 1 is out 10/22 via Virgin Music. Pre-order it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie And Capella Grey Share The Encouraging ‘Bestie’ Video

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New York’s A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Capella Grey link up to offer some encouraging words in their new video for “Bestie,” the latest single released from the upcoming Culture Jam project curated by NBA star Kawhi Leonard. The video pretty prominently features basketball as well, focusing on its lead’s efforts to improve on-court, then following her as Capella picks her up from the park for a ride home and as she invites A Boogie over for a romantic date by the piano.

The first volume of the project, Culture Jam Vol. 1, is due this Friday, October 22, after months of hype from Kawhi and his Culture Jam crew. The NBA player described his effort to combine his two loves, music and basketball, as “something that could uplift our community.” To that end he told reporters during a May presser, “A portion of each stream is gonna go to the Mamba & Mambacita [Sports] Foundation.”

Kawhi previously shared a pair of tracks from the project: “Everything Different” by Rod Wave and YoungBoy Never Broke Again and “Waves” by Gunna and Polo G. In addition the project will feature other standouts like Lil Uzi Vert, NLE Choppa, Ty Dolla Sign, Wale, and Yung Bleu. The inaugural Culture Jam Sports And Music Festival is planned for November 21 at The Shrine in Los Angles featuring performances from Bluebucksclan, Cordae, and others. It will also stream live on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

Watch A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Capella Grey’s “Bestie” video above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.