Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, known for his quiet demeanor, recently offered an unusual glimpse into his offseason activities during a PEOPLE Magazine interview in Paris. Leonard discussed his new signature sneaker, family moments, and upcoming international travels, providing fans with Kawhi Leonard offseason interview insights rarely seen before.
While in Paris, Leonard debuted a new sneaker design and attended fashion shows from top-tier brands. His offseason plans include traveling to Rwanda later this summer for a basketball clinic, followed by a tour across Asia, blending his professional interests with global cultural exploration.
Inspiration Behind Leonard’s Sneaker Design
Leonard’s sneaker design draws from personal influences, including his daughter’s enthusiasm for tennis and his appreciation for Southern California’s skateboarding culture. The shoe incorporates elements reminiscent of tennis balls, reflecting his experience attending the 2022 US Open with his daughter while Coco Gauff secured the title.
“My daughter’s into tennis, so when I went to the US Open in 2022, and I think Coco (Gauff) won it, I just built this sneaker based off of being there with my daughter,”
Leonard shared with PEOPLE.
“It’s like the tennis-ball material. But some of the inspiration for the shoes that I was wearing in Milan and Paris were the tennis ones.”
In addition, Leonard paid homage to skateboarding’s unique style, appreciating its freeform fashion sense without a rigid uniform, as he explained,
“(Also) just giving a nod back to the street culture and skateboarding. They have their own style and tastes. They don’t have no uniform set up. They could just put any pieces together they want.”
Experiencing Paris and Embracing New Cultures
This offseason marked Leonard’s first visit to Paris, where he admired the city’s architecture and culinary diversity. Although he chose not to try local delicacies like escargot, he found the overall cultural experience memorable.
“It was my first time being in Paris, and just seeing how the architecture is, the different cuisines they have, it was nice,”
Leonard said.
“I guess (the shoes) just caught some people’s eyes walking around in fashion week and they’ve just been asking questions.”
Significance of Leonard’s Offseason Activities
Leonard’s offseason choices highlight his evolving interests beyond basketball, embracing design, family, and international outreach. His journey from Paris to Rwanda and Asia signals a growing global influence, blending athleticism with cultural engagement. As Leonard continues to expand his presence off the court, his fans can anticipate further developments in his sneaker brand and international initiatives in the coming months, adding new dimensions to his already impressive career.