Clippers Left Without Kawhi Leonard: Here’s Why He Had to Step Away Immediately

NBA LA Clippers team player Kawhi Leonard has now taken a break to help his family as the wildfires some of which are extending through Los Angeles. These fires which emerged earlier this week have been destructive and compelled tens of thousands of the Palisades’ inhabitants to flee.

Leonard a 33-year-old NBA veteran and an important part of the Clippers roster since 2019, decided to leave the team on Wednesday. Bubble madness hit the Clippers ill-timed in Denver where they were for a game against the Nuggets when Leonard left. As per the information shared by NBA insider, Chris Haynes it was due to this calamity that Leonard and his family were directly affected and this forced him to fly to Los Angeles for providing support to his family during such crisis.

Since living in Pacific Palisades, a state that he has inhabited since 2021, Leonard has had a vibrant feel of the community currently undergoing extensive destruction. Wildfires have led to loss of life with least five people dead, loss of land with over thousand acres burning and threat to lives and property; more than 28 thousand structures at risk. More than 100000 people are still under evacuation, while local and state officials try to extinguish the fire.

The size of the wildfire can be seen as the major cause of concern; The residents and public officials alike have felt the pressure. Angelenos have raised concerns over the response from the Los Angeles’ mayor Karen Bass, as well as California’s governor Gavin Newsom. However, the fires remain a major threat to life and property as one of the worst disasters in Pacific Palisades’ history takes place.

To stay true to his own family, Leonard chooses the best — to support his family in times of difficulty. The Leonard known for his quiet demeanor, and resilience on the court, now carrying that same resilience off the court, as he helps his family and community navigate this crisis.

The Clippers were quick to respond to the situation and have offered their complete support for Leonard taking some time away. His absence will come as a blow to the team but while that is bad in the short term, it serves as a reminder that family and community matter most in difficult times.

In such a moment of crisis, however, it is a reminder of Leonard’s courage and of the kindness that unites us all, as Los Angeles reels from the horrific devastation of these fires.