Introduction: Who is Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard is one of the most respected and accomplished basketball players in the world. A two-time NBA champion, multiple All-Star, and a dominant two-way forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard has captivated fans with his blend of elite defence, efficient scoring, and quiet leadership.
His journey — from his Spurs days to Raptors glory and now Clippers stardom — has been defined not just by numbers, but by resilience, adaptability, and enduring excellence.
Latest Kawhi Leonard News (2026)
Recent Game & Injury Update
In February 2026, **Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard exited a key game against the **Los Angeles Lakers due to left ankle soreness, marking a precautionary moment as the Clippers battle in a competitive Western Conference matchup. Despite this setback, Leonard scored 31 points, marking his 35th straight 20-point game — a remarkable scoring streak. Coach Tyronn Lue described the ankle stiffness as something the team is monitoring closely, not overly concerning, but worthy of caution.
Injury History
Leonard’s injury history is a significant part of his career narrative. Over the past seasons, he has dealt with:
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Ankle and foot sprains that sidelined him for multiple games.
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Knee inflammation and rehab periods that have occasionally kept him out of action or limited his minutes.
Despite these challenges, Leonard continues to perform at an All-Star level when healthy.
The Story Behind Kawhi Leonard’s Hands
One of Leonard’s most talked-about physical traits — and the source of his famous nickname — is his incredibly large hands. These hands have been credited with helping him excel in defence and control the basketball in both scoring and steals. They’re so iconic that Leonard even tried to trademark a logo called “The Klaw” — a hand-shaped design — which led to a legal dispute with Nike.
While a court eventually ruled that Nike owned the logo rights, Leonard’s hand size remains a fun and fascinating topic among basketball fans.
Personal Life: Girlfriend, Not Wife
Contrary to some rumours and fan assumptions, Leonard is not married. He has been in a long-term relationship with Kishele Shipley since their college days at San Diego State University.
Relationship with Kishele Shipley
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They met in 2014 while studying at San Diego State University.
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The couple has two children together — a daughter and a son.
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Shipley keeps a very low public profile, just like Leonard, and the couple makes few public appearances.
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Despite speculation and occasional engagement rumours, there has been no confirmed report of a formal marriage.
Leonard’s private nature extends into his relationship — one of the reasons fans find his story both intriguing and refreshing compared to other high-profile celebrities.
Shoes: New Balance Signature Line
Kawhi Leonard’s signature shoes are a key part of his brand outside the court.
New Balance Collaboration
Leonard signed a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance, shifting from his previous relationship with Jordan Brand/Nike early in his career.
Signature Shoe Models
Leonard’s signature lineup has included:
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New Balance Kawhi 1
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New Balance Kawhi 2
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New Balance Kawhi 3
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New Balance Kawhi 4 — widely worn in the current 2025-26 season.
These shoes balance performance and comfort, often praised for stability and traction — traits that fit Leonard’s physical style on the court.
Contract & Clippers Tenure
Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, Leonard has been cornerstone of the franchise’s pursuit of NBA prominence. He’s signed a multi-year extension with the Clippers, ensuring he stays with the team through the mid-2020s — a period where he continues to log high scoring averages and elite two-way play.
This contract reflects how highly Clippers management values his contributions, both on the scoreboard and as a team leader.
Career Highlights Quick Look
Over more than a decade in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard has accumulated:
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2× NBA Finals MVP
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Multiple All-Star appearances
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Defensive Player of the Year awards
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A reputation as one of the most complete forwards in basketball.
FAQs About Kawhi Leonard
Q1: Why is Kawhi Leonard’s hand size so famous?
Leonard’s hand size is unusually large even for an NBA player, giving him an advantage in ball control and defence — part of what earned him the nickname The Klaw.
Q2: Is Kawhi Leonard married?
No — Leonard is in a long-term relationship with Kishele Shipley, and while there have been engagement rumors, they are not officially married.
Q3: What shoes does Kawhi Leonard wear now?
Leonard currently wears shoes from his signature line with New Balance, including models like the New Balance Kawhi 4.
Q4: What’s Kawhi’s latest injury update?
As of February 2026, Leonard exited a game due to ankle soreness, but the Clippers call it precautionary as he continues to manage chronic issues.
Q5: What team does Kawhi Leonard play for?
He plays for the LA Clippers and remains one of their top stars.
Q6: Has Leonard always had injuries?
Injuries have affected parts of his career — including ankle, foot, and knee issues — but he still performs at an elite level when healthy.
Q7: What is Kawhi’s contract situation?
Leonard signed a long-term extension with the Clippers to keep him with the team into the late 2020s, reflecting his high value to the franchise.
Conclusion
Kawhi Leonard is much more than a basketball player — he’s a brand, a family man, and a global sports figure who manages to balance supremacy on the court with personal privacy off it. From his injury comebacks to his shoe collaborations with New Balance, and from his remarkable hand size to his long-standing relationship with Kishele Shipley, Leonard’s blend of athletic prowess and understated life continues to fascinate fans around the world.
Whether you’re following his latest games, tracking his signature footwear, or just want to know more about his life off the court, Kawhi’s story is one of perseverance, evolution, and quiet dominance.
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