Serge Ibaka created a strong bond with Kawhi Leonard, while they were teammates in the Toronto Raptors during the 2018/19 season.
Ibaka admitted that Leonard was a “significant factor” in his decision to join the Los Angeles Clippers the past offseason, per Jovan Buva of the Athletic.
The veteran center signed a two-year, $19 million deal, with a player option in the second year, with the franchise to replace Montrezl Harrell, who decided to join the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ibaka and Leonard won a championship as teammates in the Raptors leading the team to the first NBA title in franchise history.
The previous season, the center from Congo had a strong year with the Raptors to help them reach the Eastern Conference semifinals.
He finished the season with averages of 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest on 55 appearances in the shortened 2019/20 season.
