Kawhi Leonard may remain out of the spotlight, but the Los Angeles Clippers star is reportedly pushing himself like a man on a mission. Over a year after tearing his ACL in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals, Leonard is rehabbing with one goal in mind: to get ready to play in next year’s playoffs.
According to Swish Cultures, Leonard trained through the end of June to simulate the physical toll of a full NBA finals run. This was not just standard recovery work. Clippers president Lawrence Frank described his approach as “maniacal,” which signals the focus typically reserved for championship chases. His longtime trainer, Clint Parks, doubled down on that optimism. After previously comparing Leonard to Michael Jordan, Parks tweeted this week that fans should expect the “ best version” of Kawhi next season.
Kawhi Leonard trained through the end of June to simulate the physical toll of a full NBA Finals run, per @swishcultures_ pic.twitter.com/a5JzgITRUq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 26, 2025
Leonard last played competitive basketball, averaging 30 points on 57%shooting in the playoffs. The numbers speak for themselves. If his form improves slightly, it would ripple through the Western Conference. While the Clippers remain cautious, the tone from the front office and Leonard’s inner circle is encouraging.
With Leonard grinding quietly behind the scenes, the Clippers might be laying the groundwork for another finals push, and this time with him leading the charge.
Cooper Flagg Shares His Admiration For Kawhi Leonard
The Dallas Mavericks are ready to be on the court with Cooper Flagg in the next season. Many believe they are getting more than just the top prospect. They are landing a potential future Hall of Famer.
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Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points and excelled as a two-way force at Duke, drew comparisons to stars like Jayson Tatum. But most fitting might be Kawhi Leonard, a player Flagg admires.
“I like to think I could play like Kawhi [Leonard]. Just such a good two-way talent. I don’t know if I actually do or not, but I think my friends would say someone like that as well,” Flagg commented.
Like Leonard, Flagg’s defensive stretches could lead early while his offense continues to develop in Dallas’ star-heavy lineup.
