Los Angeles Clippers- “the second team of LA” and “a team without fans” are suddenly turning some heads all of a sudden. Just when critics thought they’d crumble in the 2024-25 season without Paul George, they fought back. James Harden took charge, with Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell stepping up as his trusted wingmen. But something was missing—Kawhi Leonard. His absence left a void. Now, after battling through injuries, he’s back. And not just back—better, sharper, and hitting new milestones.

On Sunday, the Intuit Dome became the hotspot for the cross-town LA vs. LA action, as the Clippers took down the Lakers 116-102. Previously, the team listed the main players like Harden, Powell, Zubac, and Dunn as questionable for the game, except for the Klaw. However, all of them were on the floor, hitting points left and right. But, then there was Kawhi Leonard who scored 19 points and reached a new milestone in his 14-year-old career.

The 33-year-old 6x All-Star forward is now a 14,000 points man. Yes, with his 19 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, Kawhi Leonard has reached 14k career points. What does this mean to him? Speaking to the media after winning the game on Sunday, the veteran shared: “I’m happy that I was able to play it long enough to get to that point. But for me, I’m not looking at that as a milestone.” 

As a 2x NBA champ, Kawhi Leonard is a team player and knows what it takes to be the last man/team standing on the court. So he added, sending a message to the 29 franchises of the NBA: “I’m more of a team guy and want to get the win. Get down, be the last team standing and you know, that’s what I play for. But thank god for me to able to get that opportunity. Most people don’t, so I like to take every opportunity and blessing and don’t take it for granted.”

This is the same guy who’d cry to Ty Lue because he wanted to return to the court. It is the passion for the game that makes the Klaw rise from the ashes every time (Phoenix much?!). And yes, Kawhi still dominates the court like he did before injuries and health issues tried to slow him down. In his first five games, the power forward is averaging 13.6 ppg, playing 21.8 minutes, and a 49 FG%.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have handed disappointment to their fans on Sunday. Well, as per predictions the 17x NBA champs were the favorite ones of the night. But then, the tables turn like the unpredictable Russian Roulette in the NBA. At the same time, Lakers legend James Worthy isn’t happy with his team’s poor performance. However, he can’t ignore the force Kawhi Leonard brings back to the court. So, the 3x NBA champion is making his feelings loud and clear.

Kawhi Leonard gets a special tag from LA Lakers legend

63-year-old James Worthy contributed to the Lakers’ 17 titles, adding three of them during his time with the team. He’s closely seen the mettle of the squad and now as an expert, seems disappointed by how JJ Redick’s boys can’t pull a win. On Sunday, only LeBron James could score 25 points, and had 11 assists, so a double-double. Is that the silver lining? Of course not. There were too many gaps in the strategy which ultimately helped Ty Lue’s side win with ease.

But, speaking about Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac, Big Game James had nothing but good words. He said: “Zu is a double-double guy all season long. He’s strong, he opposes, and he presents a lot of physical play against the opposing center. But you know, their guards are just- take a look at these four players (Kawhi, Powell, Harden, Zubac). Then Kawhi came back. Kawhi is like the old Kawhi from before.” 

To this, Chris Mcgee agreed saying, “When he’s on the lineup, if he’s healthy, he’s unstoppable. He’s still that guy- Unstoppable.”

Well, the Kawhi Leonard effect is evident on the court. The Clippers‘ rhythm in the league has changed since the Klaw came back and he’s surely adding to the team’s power. Besides, being the “second team” of LA, the Clippers are taunted for ‘not achieving much’ in the league. But, the way things are moving, you never what might happen next. Moreover, 5th seed in the West? Good going!