Clippers Executive Shares Unexpected Reaction to Team USA’s Kawhi Leonard Decision

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will not play in the upcoming Olympics.

Earlier this week, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White took Leonard's roster spot on Team USA, with USA Basketball releasing a statement indicating that it and the L.A. franchise reached the decision to pull Leonard together.

"The organization and the Clippers determined it’s in Leonard’s best interest to spend the rest of the summer preparing for the upcoming season," USA Basketball said, via NBC News .

According to Clippers executive Lawrence Frank, however, it appears USA Basketball ultimately had the final call. Frank told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk on Monday that the Clippers were 'disappointed' in USA Basketball's decision to pivot from Leonard.

"Lawrence Frank says Clippers were disappointed in USA Basketball’s decision to pivot from Kawhi Leonard," Youngmisuk posted on X.

Frank also told ESPN that Leonard 'looked good' in the first few practices, however, admitted he understands USA Basketball 'has to do what it feels best.'

Leonard, 33, dealt with a knee injury in the Clippers' first-round playoff loss to the Mavericks earlier this year.

He missed four games in the 4-2 series loss to Dallas.

Leonard, despite being removed from the Team USA roster, is expected to be ready for Clippers training camp.

The six-time NBA All-Star averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game for L.A. last season.

Related: Grant Hill Has Empathetic Message On The Decision To Send Kawhi Leonard Home