“I just want to address up front, regarding the ongoing matter, I’m not able to comment on the allegations or anything associated with that at this time.” From the very beginning of media day, the Clippers wanted to quiet down the noise. Lawrence Frank made a statement before answering any questions, but they still couldn’t stop the reporters when Kawhi Leonard came up. Ramona Shelburne got the opportunity to go back and forth with the Clippers forward about his endorsement deal with Aspiration.

“I had five more questions,” she revealed. But before that could happen, the Clippers’ PR team took away her microphone. But Shelburne still got to ask the important questions during Leonard’s short media day appearance. Other reporters were ready for a team effort, but never got the mic in their hands.

“There were five or six other reporters in the room… We had all talked before the press conference and I said, “Okay, so we’re all going to ask Aspiration questions, right?” Because this is his first public statement, right? like whoever gets this let’s tag team… Let’s make sure we ask we got to cover all the bases here, because this is probably the one and only time he’ll address it, and they all had their hands raised, and they weren’t being called on,” she revealed on ESPN LA.

As pointed out, this was Kawhi Leonard’s first public appearance where he could respond to the alleged circumvention, replying to Ramona Shelbourne, the Klaw stated: “The NBA is going to do their job. None of us did wrongdoing and, yeah, that’s it. We invite the investigation.” 

Chris Mannix had his hand raised the entire time. Several others did, never getting a chance to cover all the bases. Shelburne had an advantage in proceeding. ESPN trusted her to interview Steve Ballmer in the wake of the allegations that the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap. However, it was evident that the franchise didn’t want it to become the theme for media day.

Their stance remains stable. Notably, Steve Ballmer was not present during the media day- not uncommon for owners to miss this event. Furthermore, Leonard and Ballmer have both welcomed the NBA’s investigation into the matter. They maintain that they didn’t indulge in any “wrongdoings”.

With that being settled, their focus now is on the new season, where the Clippers enter with a revamped roster.

Kawhi Leonard won’t let the Aspiration controversy be a distraction

The Clippers are looked at as a “seasoned” roster for the upcoming season. With Bradley Beal and Chris Paul entering the equation, they are a veteran team to say the least. James Harden feels that experience will prevail in their quest for a first ever championship. Kawhi Leonard is also focused on the season.

Despite the outside noise with Aspiration, the Klaw has become accustomed to blocking out foreign matters. “It’s not going to be a distraction for me or the rest of the team,” he said on media day. And it didn’t seem to hamper any other Clippers team member.

Chris Paul was excited for media day to come around. Entering Year 21 and believed to be his final season, he is pumped to be back in Los Angeles. As for the matter at hand, Paul has seen a lot during his two-decade tenure in the NBA for it to affect him.

“What’s crazy is a lot of it, I somewhat forget or don’t think about it until somebody mentions it, to tell you the truth. That’s because I got a lot of stuff going on, you know what I mean? As far as family, kids, wife, all that stuff going on. But definitely seen a lot and experienced a lot. So, yeah, it’s been interesting,” Paul said about his experience with such complicated situations.

So in spite of the possibility that the Clippers could be in major trouble, the mood in the camp is one of relaxation. Everybody is focused on the immediate priority at hand. James Harden and CP3 are Hall of Fame players lacking only a championship. So they and other Clippers are determined to make this season count.

Because of the volume of information and allegations, it’s likely going to be a long investigation for the NBA.

According to reports, there is no immediate resolution expected, and the league is not anticipated to conclude its investigation or announce any disciplinary actions until after the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, which the Clippers will host. This delay appears strategic, allowing the Clippers to host the event without being overshadowed by the investigation’s outcome.

Until a verdict is announced, the Los Angeles Clippers want to keep it all about basketball. If anything, this could be the last season for them to compete if things do go downhill.