Clippers Coach Fires Back at Kawhi Leonard Criticism

For years, Kawhi Leonard has been the subject of criticism over his availability, with fans and media often accusing the Clippers star of choosing to sit out games.

But head coach Tyronn Lue has made it clear that the narrative doesnt match the reality.

Lue defended Leonard against claims that he avoids playing back-to-backs, stressing that the decisions come from the Clippers staff and not the player.

I feel sorry for him, you know?, Lue said while appearing on Shannon Sharpes Club Shay Shay. Because all the work he puts in we see it every day. And just what it takes to get on the floor on a consistent basis it takes a lot for him to get out there. And so its not like hes wanting to sit out and miss games, Lue said. He puts the work in every single day. And the grind that he has to do to even get on the floor to play its just tough.

Lue went further, explaining that Leonard often pushes himself harder than he should.

So when he tries to push through that threshold himself, he gets himself in trouble, Lue said. So a lot of times, its coming from us. Its coming from Lawrence Frank, the medical staff. Weve got to protect him from himself. Because you know sometimes he wants to play back-to-backs. . . And its just tough because hes not a guy that wants to sit out. Not wanting to play. His whole mindset is to win championships and thats what he wants to do.