LeBron James’ Blunt Reaction To Kawhi Leonard Ditching Team USA

Kawhi Leonard’s inclusion on the initial Team USA roster for the looming 2024 Olympic Games came as a surprise to everyone.

Talentwise Leonard obviously more than belongs, but from a durability standpoint there are a lot of question marks surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers star.

Surely enough, this week, Leonard dropped out.

“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,” Team USA said in a statement.

“He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”

A few days after Leonard’s decision to bow out, Stephen Curry offered a hilarious reaction to it. Shortly thereafter, LeBron James weighed in as well.

“He’s a brother of ours,” James said.

LeBron James on Kawhi Leonard leaving Team USA: “He’s a brother of ours. He’s part of the fraternity, no matter if he’s here or not. He has to take care of himself and that’s all that matters.” pic.twitter.com/5ej6eaOasV

— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) July 13, 2024

“He’s part of the fraternity, no matter if he’s here or not. He has to take care of himself and that’s all that matters.”

James then spoke glowingly of Leonard’s replacement, Boston Celtics role player Derrick White.

LeBron James: “What can Derrick White add? Just poise, his ability to guard, his ability to shoot the ball. Bringing in another championship DNA guy, it’s great” 😤 pic.twitter.com/K3neSgp9ls

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 11, 2024

“What can Derrick White add? Just poise, his ability to guard, his ability to shoot the ball. Bringing in another championship DNA guy, it’s great,” James said.

Seeing Leonard in a Team USA uniform would have been fun, but it always sounded a bit far-fetched. This week proved why that was the case.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school Games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.