Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Says Boos from Spurs Fans Cause 'A Little Pain in the Heart'

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard understands that there isn't much love remaining for him within the San Antonio Spurs fanbase.

When asked about fans booing him when he returned to San Antonio, Leonard told reporters, "It's just because of the player I am, and what I've done here. So it's a little pain in the heart still. It's still love in the city wherever I go. But obviously when I put on that different jersey, they have a great fanbase, so they're gonna stick to the Spurs and I'm OK with that."

Leonard spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Spurs, helping lead the team to the 2014 NBA championship. He blossomed into one of the best two-way players in the league during his time in San Antonio, earning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2015 and 2016.

Unfortunately, Leonard's departure from the Spurs was far more contentious than anyone would've expected. After he was limited to just nine games in 2017-18 due to various injuries, many questioned his commitment to the team. He eventually requested a trade and was sent to the Toronto Raptors, who he led to the 2019 NBA championship. He signed with his hometown Clippers the following season.

Leonard's injury woes have followed him to Los Angeles, but he's back to full strength after making his season debut earlier this month. He played 29 minutes in Wednesday's game against the Spurs and scored a season-high 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting while adding seven assists and six rebounds. In his nine appearances this season, he's averaging 16.1 points.

Since Leonard's departure, San Antonio has missed the playoffs in each of the last five years. However, the Spurs have the most promising future star in the NBA in second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama, so their fans will surely get over their ill feelings toward Leonard if the 21-year-old can lead the team back to prominence.