Raptors vs. Clippers score: Kawhi Leonard can’t lose - SB Nation

Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in the Raptors’ big win over the Clippers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, but his future loomed over the whole affair. In fact, that looming future is probably why he sat: Toronto is being pretty clever in helping Kawhi avoid media situations when visiting teams gunning for him in free agency.

But Kawhi would have to be blind to fail to see the Clippers lurking. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports that L.A. has been sending scouts and executives -- sometimes even top exec Lawrence Frank -- to most of Toronto’s games not just to scout Leonard, but to remind Leonard that the Clippers want him bad. They are doing something similar with Kevin Durant, and as Windhorst reports, L.A. thinks Jerry West can help the Clips pull both guys this summer.

That seems like a stretch, but you can’t fly without spreading your winds. Kudos to the Clippers for going for it.

The important thing is that Kawhi can’t really lose. Clearly, Toronto is excellent with him. If he stays, for the forseeable future, the Raptors will be a major force in the East and Leonard will be an All-NBA caliber player. If he goes to the Clippers, he’ll be an even bigger name and be well-positioned to build a rivalry with the Warriors, with LeBron, with James Harden and Russell Westbrook (rivalries that had been building in San Antonio with fits and starts). He can’t lose. There are no bad options this summer.

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Scores

Blazers 104, Rockets 111
Suns 86, Spurs 111
Raptors 123, Clippers 99

Schedule

On National TV:
Thunder at Pelicans, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Raptors at Warriors, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

Selections From League Pass:
Pistons at Hornets, 7 p.m. ET
Bucks at Pacers, 7 p.m. ET
Blazers at Grizzlies, 8 p.m. ET
Timberwolves at Kings, 10 p.m. ET

Full schedule here.

Links

SB Nation’s Ultimate Sports Holiday Gift Guide! There’s definitely something perfect for the sports fans and/or Church of Gritty missionaries in your life.

Ricky O’Donnell calls for the end of the John Paxson era in Chicago after building what Ricky calls the NBA’s worst culture over 15 years. Hard to disagree. I’ll be writing on the Bulls later on Wednesday. By the way, the Bulls are talking about forming a “leadership committee” of players who can communicate with wackadoo coach Jim Boylen, who continues to be absolutely hilarious. A leadership committee! Are the Bulls wistful for high school student government or something? Is there a contract escalator for being on your team’s leadership committee? Do we have an award for Leadership Committee Member of the Year?

Paul Flannery on how everyone is ready for Anthony Davis to leave the Pelicans ... except for the Pelicans. (And Pelicans fans.)

Let’s rewind Malice at the Palace!

Stephen Curry’s return sparking a renewal for the Warriors got most of the attention, but don’t sleep on Draymond Green’s offensive impact.

KUDOS to Shareef Abdur-Rahim, newly named as the next president of the NBA G League. Reef has been working in the league office as a top executive for a few years after leaving the Kings in one of their fits of dysfunction. One of the smartest dudes to ever grace the league. Also, once picked up a tech for arguing a call despite his jaw wired shut. Never forget.

Steven Adams is the throwback center of your dreams.

D.J. Foster on the importance of depth in today’s NBA.

More theories on LeBron’s “Garden” comment. More thoughts on the matter from dispassionate observer Dan Devine.

Did Steph Curry finesse an exclusive tour of NASA lunar lab? Is he going to get a trip to the moon out of this? Uh I too do not believe we went to the moon. And I think the Turks and Caicos are simulcrum. Prove me wrong, NASA.

Josh Hart claims Chipotle is better with plastic forks. Show me the lie. Speaking of which, you ever try to eat frozen yogurt with a metal spoon? It’s a bizarre sensation.

DeMarcus Cousins, a good person, is using his Puma deal to help kids in his home state of Alabama.

Be excellent to each other.

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