Russell Westbrook Comments On Kawhi Leonard Injury

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Los Angeles Clippers v Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook discusses Kawhi Leonard's injury ahead of Game 4.

Russell Westbrook has fit in quite well in his short time with the Los Angeles Clippers. The former league MVP has been adjusting to a different role during the 2023 playoffs. However, now it seems Westbrook may have to become the first option for the Clippers. Before Game 3 on Thursday, it was announced that Kawhi Leonard would miss the game due to a knee sprain. The Clippers are already without Paul George, so losing Leonard is massive.

On Friday, Westbrook was asked about Leonard's recent injury. Here's what Westbrook had to say. "I just feel sorry for him. Probably was playing the best basketball in a while and probably the best in the world. Just sucks for him, mentally… If he’s not back, we gotta rally around each other.” The injury is unfortunate for Leonard. You never want to see a team lose such a vital piece of their success at such a crucial time. However, Westbrook understands the team needs to focus on the task at hand. Beating the Phoenix Suns.

Russell Westbrook Focused On Phoenix

On Friday, Stephen A. Smith took a massive shot at Leonard's recent availability. Smith claimed that Leonard could be the worst superstar in the NBA. A strange title to give anyone. However, Smith is concerned with the injuries piling up for Leonard. But that doesn't mean the injured star deserves the label of 'worst superstar.' However, the conversation does turn to many wondering if Leonard has become a liability for the Clippers. A team that sees their playoff run slowly closing before their eyes.

Westbrook has the experience of leading a team in the playoffs. The former league MVP became the focal point of the Oklahoma City Thunder once Kevin Durant left town. However, the question still remains if Westbrook can be that player once again. The Clippers trail the series against the Suns 2-1. As Westbrook said, the team will need to band together if Leonard misses Game 4. Can Russell Westbrook lead the Clippers to playoff success? Let us know your thoughts on the Clippers chances in the comment section below. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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About The Author
Tyler Reed
Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.
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