Serge Ibaka Says Kawhi Leonard Friendship Significant Factor in Joining Clippers

Kawhi Leonard apparently made a strong impression on Serge Ibaka when they were teammates with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season. 

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Ibaka said his friendship with Leonard led to him joining the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent. 

After Montrezl Harrell left the Clippers to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, they countered by giving Ibaka a two-year, $19 million contract. 

JaMychal Green also left as a free agent to join the Denver Nuggets, leaving the Clippers without much depth at center. 

The addition of Ibaka has been widely praised, with Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated calling it possibly "the savviest move of the offseason."

When Leonard signed with the Clippers in July 2019, Ibaka told TSN Sports' Josh Lewenberg he spoke with the two-time NBA Finals MVP. 

"After he made his decision, we spoke on the phone," Ibaka said. "I said 'you know what, bro, I'm a little sad you're leaving us, it's disappointing as a friend, but I'm happy for you."

Ibaka has averaged at least 15 points per game in each of his past two seasons with the Raptors. The 31-year-old set a career high with 15.4 points per contest in 2019-20 and shot 38.5 percent from three-point range. 

Leonard and Ibaka played together for one season, which ended with the Raptors winning the NBA championship. The duo will be hoping to repeat that success this season after reuniting.