Paul George calls out Stephen A Smith for dissing Kawhi Leonard on ESPN live during NBA Finals

The ESPN analyst has called out Kawhi Leonard for his consistent absences due to injuries in the past.


Paul George calls out Stephen A Smith for dissing Kawhi Leonard on ESPN live during NBA Finals

Paul George called out Stephen A Smith for Kawhi Leonard jibe

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have been teammates at the Los Angeles Clippers for four years now. Despite their superstar talent, the duo has not won a championship together. Regardless of that, George shares a close bond with Leonard as he defended his teammate from ESPN’s Stephen A Smith.

During the NBA Countdown before the third game of the finals, Stephen A Smith took an indirect jibe at Kawhi Leonard for his absence due to injuries. This did not sit well with Paul George as he called out Smith during an episode of his ‘Podcast P.’ George was upset by the moment as he reflected on Leonard’s contribution to the team.

We exhausted a lot out of Kawhi this season. So at some point, your body breaks you down I think that's the case there. I didn’t appreciate that moment. I know I laughed because the situation was lighthearted, but deep down it was like you gotta let that go, Stephen A.
Paul George via Podcast P
YouTube video

George firmly stated that Leonard wanted to play and give his best for the Clippers and denied the contradictory allegations. Instead of blaming Leonard for his absence, George took the blame for his team by stating that the Clippers demanded a lot from Leonard. George also clarified that he had no issues with Smith, but he did not like the comments.

FS Video

Leonard got injured at a crucial time in the middle of the playoffs. The Clippers forward could only play the first two games against the Dallas Mavericks, which resulted in an elimination for the Clippers in just the first round. Smith has been bitter about Leonard’s absence ever since.

Stephen A. Smith called out ‘worst superstar’ Kawhi Leonard after he got injured

Leonard has never played a full postseason for the Clippers in the last four years. As Smith never minced his words, the analyst called out the star before George. However, that was not the first time Smith had taken shots at Leonard. After Leonard was ruled out again this year, Smith went off on him on First Take.

Smith admitted that Leonard is a superstar when he is healthy, considering his two championships and finals MVP. However, the analyst was furious at his consecutive absences, considering the amount of money Leonard receives.

He is a superstar when healthy. I can make a case this is the worst superstar in the history of sports. He is a nightmare. 
Stephen A Smith via ESPN First Take

It seems like Smith is still holding grudges, but the analyst has received a response. This Smith’s statement was the reason George kept telling the analyst to let go of the topic. It will be interesting to see if the ESPN host responds to George and opens up about his current thoughts on Leonard.

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