Kawhi Leonard is an American professional basketball player who stars as a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers. A two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Leonard is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players of his generation, pairing elite defence with calm, efficient scoring on the biggest stages.
| Full Name | Kawhi Anthony Leonard |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Profession | Basketball player |
| Known For | LA Clippers, 2x NBA champion, 2x Finals MVP |
| Partner | Kishele Shipley |
| Children | Two |
| Net Worth | Approx. $80 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard is a basketball player known for his quiet demeanour off the court and his ruthless efficiency on it. Drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2011 and traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night, he developed under Gregg Popovich into a Finals MVP, winning his first championship with the Spurs in 2014.
After a spell with the Toronto Raptors, where he delivered the franchise’s first NBA title in 2019, Leonard joined the Los Angeles Clippers, his hometown team. He is a six-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and his huge hands and defensive instincts have made him one of the most feared perimeter defenders in league history.
Early Life & Background
Kawhi Anthony Leonard was born on June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the Riverside area and attended Martin Luther King High School, where he became one of the top high school players in the country. His father, Mark, was murdered in 2008, a tragedy that Leonard has rarely discussed publicly but which shaped his reserved character.
He played two seasons of college basketball at San Diego State University, leading the Aztecs to the Sweet Sixteen in 2011 and earning Mountain West Player of the Year honours. He declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore season and was selected 15th overall.
His long-term partner is Kishele Shipley, and they have two children together. Leonard keeps his family life largely private, rarely sharing details beyond the occasional public appearance.
Career
Leonard’s breakthrough came in the 2014 NBA Finals, when his defence on LeBron James and his efficient scoring earned him Finals MVP honours at just 22 years old as the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat. He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016, becoming the first perimeter player in decades to win the award in consecutive seasons.
After a difficult final season in San Antonio, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2018. In his lone season in Canada, he led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship, hitting one of the most famous shots in playoff history, a buzzer-beating four-bounce jumper against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the conference semi-finals.
He joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, teaming up with Paul George in his hometown. Like his former Spurs teammates Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili, Leonard is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to the game, even as injuries have limited his availability in recent seasons.
Facts About Kawhi Leonard
- Kawhi Leonard won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
- He was named NBA Finals MVP in both of those championship runs.
- He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2015 and 2016.
- He is a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First Team selection.
- His long-term partner is Kishele Shipley, and they have two children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard was born on June 29, 1991, which makes him 35 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard is 6 feet 7 inches tall (2.01 metres).
Who is Kawhi Leonard’s partner?
Kawhi Leonard’s long-term partner is Kishele Shipley. They have two children together.
What is Kawhi Leonard’s net worth?
Kawhi Leonard’s net worth is estimated at approximately $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth (2025).
What is Kawhi Leonard best known for?
Kawhi Leonard is best known as a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.