Clippers Coach Reveals Kawhi Leonard’s Drive to Learn from MJ

Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, has demonstrated a strong desire to learn from the legends of basketball, particularly Michael Jordan. This interest was recently confirmed by Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue, who shared insights about his experiences with both Jordan and Kobe Bryant during a podcast appearance.

During a conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Lue mentioned that Leonard frequently seeks advice about the training regimens and routines of these basketball icons. Lue played alongside Bryant at the Los Angeles Lakers and Jordan at the Washington Wizards, giving him a unique perspective. He noted, “All the time,” when asked if Leonard had inquired about his time with the two legends.

Leonard’s playing style bears similarities to both Jordan and Bryant, with a notable emphasis on the mid-range game. This connection fuels Leonard’s eagerness to absorb knowledge from Lue, who has been actively passing on techniques he learned during his own career.

Training Like the Greats

Lue recounted his training sessions with Leonard in San Diego, where they focused on developing skills reminiscent of Jordan’s approach. “When I first got here, I went down to San Diego a couple of summers and just worked with him and showed him the moves and the routines that me and Jordan did every single morning,” Lue explained. He described their sessions as part of a “breakfast club,” which included weightlifting, breakfast, and an early gym routine focused on mastering post moves.

Lue emphasized the importance of footwork and technique, which he learned from both Jordan and Bryant. “We got it down, and I just showed him all the different things that I learned from Jordan and Kobe,” Lue said. Leonard has embraced these workouts, adapting well to the rigorous training and gaining fresh perspectives on his game.

Despite this dedication to training and skill development, Leonard has struggled with injuries during his time with the Clippers. Since joining the team, he has faced recurring knee issues that have severely affected his participation in the postseason. Since 2021, he has missed half of the team’s playoff games, which has hindered the Clippers’ ability to contend for championships.

Looking Ahead

When healthy, Leonard has proven to be a dominant force on the court, averaging 25 points per game with the Clippers. The organization hopes that he can maintain his health throughout an entire season, enabling him to pursue his third NBA championship alongside Lue, who has introduced him to the training philosophies of the game’s greatest players.

As the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on keeping Leonard fit and utilizing the skills he has honed through his training with Lue. The synergy between coach and player could be pivotal as the team aims to make a significant playoff run in the near future.