The Los Angeles Clippers‘ season came to an end with their recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. They lost their last game yesterday 136-130 as the Suns took a 4-1 lead in the playoffs matchup. Although the Clippers started the season strongly, their run has been marred by injuries. With several important players sitting out games in the postseason, the LA side’s efforts eventually fell short. Amidst the shock of a season-ending loss, a noted NBA analyst has called for Kawhi Leonard‘s retirement, after a major update on the Clippers star’s injury came to light.

Leonard has made headlines throughout this season, mostly for the injuries he picked up. While the 2x NBA champion struggles with a new injury, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith once again went off on the 31-year-old.

Frustrated by the latest Kawhi Leonard update, Stephen A Smith calls for his retirement

Leonard began the season in great shape. As the season progressed, his struggle with injuries continued to scale. Although he is not the only crucial player for the Clippers to face major injuries this season. Paul George sprained his right knee and was out for the entire postseason. These key players being consistently out of the team stopped the Clippers’ championship dreams mid-way. Recently, the news came out that Leonard has a torn meniscus in his right knee, which prompted Smith to completely lose his cool.

The noted NBA analyst was frustrated by the Clippers’ early exit from the playoffs without putting up any kind of resistance against the Suns. During one of his usual rants, Smith said, “Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers should force Kawhi Leonard to retire.”

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal Get Revenge on Kendrick Perkins as TNT Co-Hosts Relishes in Hilarious Live TV Battle

April 24, 2024 07:53 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Subsequently, Smith went on to explain why he should be forced to retire. He said “I’m done. He needs to go home…He is the absolute worst superstar you could have on your team.” The 55-year-old added that Leonard is barely with the team and he does not contribute to the promotion of the franchise.

Smith also said that the difference between Leonard’s and George’s injuries, is that “we see [players like George] get hurt”, whereas Leonard’s injury suddenly surfaces as news.

The First Take host added that Leonard’s medical staff should be fired as well because they’re not doing a good job of keeping him fit.

Debunked: Viral Kawhi Leonard-Chris Paul ‘Disrespectful’ Moment, Which Sent NBA World in a Frenzy

Stephen A. Smith says that he is not questioning the legitimacy of Leonard’s injury

Smith said that he is, in no way questioning the integrity of the 2x NBA champion. He also acknowledged that he has heard some alarming stories related to his injuries. Smith’s concern is strictly related to his absence from his team, especially when they needed him the most. The veteran analyst said that he is not questioning Leonard’s heart, while stating that the 2x NBA Finals MVP is not a healthy individual.

Watch This Story: “Challenging Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Damian Lillard and more to spit a verse, Shaquille O’Neal spices up his recovery”