Kawhi Leonard has unintentionally hilarious response to $32 million teammate’s ESPN appearance
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard had a weird response during a recent interview involving his teammate Ivica Zubac.

Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard
Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard are playing brilliantly as the Los Angeles Clippers try to qualify for the playoffs. During the 2024–25 NBA season, both players have demonstrated exceptional collaboration in games. It’s important to note, though, that both stars don’t have much clue about their off-court activities in the league.
A recent interview with Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated featured Leonard, who missed the first 34 games of the 2024–25 NBA season. Interestingly, in this conversation, Leonard was shocked to hear that Ivica Zubac had appeared on ESPN. Leonard claimed that ‘he does not know anything’ regarding Zubac’s recent ESPN appearance.
I don’t think nothing of it. I don’t watch SportsCenter or any of that. But whatever he feels I’m happy for him. I don’t know what he was on there for. I guess it’s because he’s an NBA basketball player and he’s been playing great. But I don’t know what the topic was or anything.
Kawhi Leonard said
Kawhi Leonard did not know Ivica Zubac made an appearance on ESPN.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 6, 2025
“I don’t think nothing of it. I don’t watch SportsCenter or any of that. But whatever he feels I’m happy for him. I don’t know what he was on there for. I guess it’s because he’s an NBA basketball player and he’s… pic.twitter.com/og6BpjhYAv
Given that both players are essential to their team’s performance and exposure, this suggests a significant divergence. However, Leonard is known for his nonchalant views in the media. Notably, their on-court synergy is remarkable despite this distance off the court. The Clippers and Dallas Mavericks recently engaged in a fierce contest at the Intuit Dome. Of course, Zubac and Leonard were at the helm of the offense.
In his 25 minutes on the court, Leonard finished with 29 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds. Zubac finished with 25 points, 2 assists, and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 135-104 thanks to their great performances. Both stars are focusing on a good finish to their 2024-25 NBA season with the Clippers.
With 46 wins and 32 defeats, the Clippers are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. At the Intuit Dome, they will play the San Antonio Spurs in their upcoming match.
Ivica Zubac once made his intentions clear on Kawhi Leonard
Ivica Zubac, who joined the Clippers via trade from the Lakers is among the few players still on the roster from before the 2019 summer. As the Clippers’ only playable traditional center, Zubac has established himself as a reliable starting big man and is an important member of the team. Interestingly, Zubac once opened up on his teammate Kawhi Leonard.
Zubac shared an inside look at Kawhi Leonard’s often stern personality behind the scenes, noting that the “fun guy” is just like everyone else when he’s not interacting with the media.
I mean, the first question everyone asks me is ‘Is he a fun guy?’…Kawhi is a great guy, he’s a normal guy just like everyone else. I know it’s hard for people to imagine that, but he just doesn’t like talking to the media. I know everyone out there thinks it’s load management for the games he’s missing, but he was actually hurt. ACL is one of the toughest injuries out there. He wanted to make sure he came back 100 percent.
Ivica Zubac said
Many people value Leonard’s reputation as one of the most withdrawn stars of our day. However, it appears that Leoanard simply cannot feel at ease enough to be himself in front of the media, as opposed to in the changing room with his fellow players.
Coach Tyronn Lue provides important Kawhi Leonard injury update
An injury-free Kawhi Leonard is all the Clippers fans will be hoping for going into the NBA Playoffs this season. Fans do not blame Leonard since he is physically unable to play on multiple nights due to his knee injuries, surgeries, and speedy recovery. According to Tyronn Lue, Leonard is keen to suit up, but the staff suggests not doing so.
NBA insider Law Murray informed supporters on social media after the buzzer versus Dallas that Leonard will be given another chance to be evaluated.
Kawhi Leonard will be “re-evaluated” tomorrow so he could play on zero days rest, per Tyronn Lue.
Law Murray wrote on X
Kawhi Leonard will be “re-evaluated” tomorrow so he could play on zero days rest, per Tyronn Lue
— Law Murray 💭🚫 (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 5, 2025
The Clippers will face the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs next after playing back-to-back games against the Mavs. However, Leonard’s availability on fewer nights of rest than normal is a significant development that worries fans.