Kawhi Leonard kept his focus on competition and preparation Saturday, speaking one day before the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The LA Clippers forward, a seventh-time All-Star, reflected on hosting the league’s 75th showcase in his home arena.
“It’s very exciting, you know, especially being so young and the architecture, the way it was built, it’s amazing, especially being in LA,” Leonard said.
The event features a new USA vs. the World round-robin format, but Leonard made clear that structure alone does not determine intensity.
“I rather just be East and West and just go out there and compete and, you know, see see what the outcome is,” he said. “I think no format could make you compete. You got to, you know, come out between the ears.”
Leonard was added to the USA player pool by Commissioner Adam Silver and will suit up for USA Stripes in the three-team tournament.
While the All-Star spotlight is on Sunday night, Leonard’s attention remains on the Clippers’ playoff race. Los Angeles enters the break at 26-28, 10th in the Western Conference.
“Same thing we’ve been doing, just the effort,” he said when asked about the second half. “Staying competitive, wanting to compete every night, pushing the pace, rebounding.”
He added: “For sure. It’s a lot more heavy lifting on my part. Especially being down at that 10th seed.”
Leonard also addressed his journey back to this stage after multiple injuries.
“To keep getting to a level that I’m getting to it’s definitely mentally challenged and physically as well,” he said. “So, a lot of people definitely can’t do it, but I’m here and I’m happy.”
Preparation has evolved over time for the two-time Finals MVP.
“You definitely learn as years go on how to prep,” Leonard said. “So just mixing in everything from stretching to strength work to, you know, mental preparation. Um, it all it all ties in together.”
He praised the 2010s generation of stars for sustaining elite play.
“I think it’s like I was saying, it’s a mental mindset of it,” he said. “But then also just the skill level.”
Leonard also reacted to Chris Paul’s retirement announcement.
“Great career. Amazing point guard and I think you’ll see more from him off the court as well,” he said.
Asked about the next generation, Leonard declined to single out names.
“I like them all,” he said. “Just from you know, just being tall like everybody 6’8″ and up being able to shoot, dribble, and be point guards for their team or point forwards. It’s just amazing.”
As for any perceived All-Star snub earlier in the process, Leonard dismissed the notion.
“I work for everything I get. I’m not looking for handouts,” he said. “Everybody that got the the nod, they deserved it.”
On Sunday, the focus shifts to five-on-five basketball under a new format.
“It’s still going to be five on five basketball,” Leonard said. “So, I think it’ll turn out fine.”
