Tyronn Lue Discusses Michael Jordan’s Impact on Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard’s admiration for Michael Jordan is well-known, and recently, Tyronn Lue, the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, confirmed that the star player frequently seeks insights about the basketball legend. In a discussion on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Lue shared details about Leonard’s eagerness to learn from his experiences with both Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Lue, who played with both NBA icons, explained that Leonard often asks about their training routines and daily habits. “All the time,” was Lue’s response when asked how frequently Leonard inquires about his time in the locker room with basketball greats. This curiosity is understandable given that Leonard’s style of play closely resembles the elite skill sets of both Jordan and Bryant, particularly in the mid-range game.

Lue recounted his early days with Leonard, stating, “When I first got here, I went down to San Diego a couple of summers and just worked with him.” He emphasized that they focused on the training routines he and Jordan practiced, which they referred to as the “breakfast club.” This included weightlifting, breakfast, and arriving at the gym an hour and a half early to work on post moves.

During their sessions, Lue shared specific drills and techniques he learned from Jordan over the years. He noted that Leonard embraced the training and adapted well to it, which has undoubtedly contributed to his development as a player. “We got it down, and I just showed him all the different things that I learned from Jordan and Kobe,” Lue added.

Despite these intensive training sessions, Leonard has struggled with injuries since joining the Clippers. Recurring knee issues have sidelined him, leading to significant losses for the team in the postseason. Since 2021, he has missed approximately half of their playoff games, a major factor in their challenges to contend for a championship.

When healthy, Leonard’s performance has been remarkable. He has averaged 25 points per game with the Clippers, showcasing his potential to dominate on the court. The hope is that he can maintain his health throughout an entire season, allowing him to pursue his third NBA championship alongside Lue, who has been instrumental in shaping his approach to the game.

As the season approaches, both Lue and Leonard are optimistic about the future. With Lue’s mentorship and insights from basketball legends, Leonard aims to elevate his game and contribute significantly to the Clippers’ success.