Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers have not found their stride and are struggling miserably in the 2025-26 NBA season. The Clippers are currently 5-16 this year, and are tied for the second-worst team in the Western Conference. With how the team has struggled, NBA champion Kendrick Perkins gave his honest assessment about Leonard’s time with LA.
The two-time champion has been with the Clippers since 2019. When he first joined the organization, there was hope that he’d be a significant influence on the team’s title hopes. However, they haven’t won the Larry O’Brien trophy because of Leonard’s injuries. The closest they’ve come to winning the title was in 2021 when they reached the conference finals and faced the Phoenix Suns.
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Even then, Leonard couldn’t stay healthy and did not play in the Clippers-Suns series.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
On Tuesday’s episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show,” Perkins criticized Leonard’s signing with the Clippers in 2019. He went as far as to call it one of the worst signings.
“Kawhi Leonard is one of the worst free agent signings in NBA history,” Perkins said. “He has set the Clippers back 10 to 15 years. I don’t know where they go from here.
“You get Kawhi Leonard, by the way, only played 277 games out of 492 since being in a Clipper uniform… They’ve paid him over $300 million… They were supposed to be looking the Lakers eye-to-eye.”
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The two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s problems stem mostly from his injuries. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy, which has affected his availability. However, the Clippers remained loyal to their star player and signed him to a three-year, $103 million contract in the 2019 free agency. That was followed by a three-year, $153 million contract extension in 2024.
Throughout his time with the Clippers, Leonard has averaged 24.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists. However, the organization still long for a championship.
Related: Could Kawhi Leonard Face Punishment in Clippers Contract Mess?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.