Fox Sports analyst Chris Broussard says Toronto Raptors star small forward Kawhi Leonard wouldn't be shook by LeBron James if they met in the playoffs this season.
Broussard claims Leonard's even-keeled nature has settled the Raptors down. In the past, Toronto has gotten destroyed by James' Cleveland Cavaliers teams. Broussard believes if James was still on the Cavs, the Raptors — led by Leonard — would be able to compete with The King since Kawhi is a superstar of the highest level.
“Kawhi's even-keeled nature has settled this team down,” Broussard said. “This is a team that we've seen lack poise, get shook at the presence of LeBron James. Kawhi certainly wouldn't be shook by seeing LeBron. … Kawhi is rubbing off on these guys.”
Why would Leonard be intimidated by James? After all, the Raptors star won Finals MVP back in 2014 when the San Antonio Spurs defeated LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Leonard is easily a top-five player in the league. This is exactly why Raptors president Masai Ujiri traded for him last summer. Even if Leonard leaves the Raptors this offseason in free agency, the trade with the Spurs was still a success since Toronto is one game away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.