The Los Angeles Clippers have been at the center of a media storm for months now. Pablo Torre initially reported that team owner Steve Ballmer could have circumvented the NBA salary cap to pay superstar Kawhi Leonard. A lot more evidence has come to light since, with the name Aspiration becoming common knowledge among fans of the league.
The accusation is that Leonard was paid millions for a ‘no-show job’ by a company that Ballmer invested in. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was quick to say that an investigation was underway into the matter. But questions about how motivated the league is to find out the truth have reportedly grown louder.
RELATED: Los Angeles Lakers’ cautious plans for LeBron James revealed
If this scandal is proven to be true beyond a reasonable doubt, it will be a terrible look for the league. And NBA insider Ethan Strauss’ latest report shows that people are concerned that the powers that be might just help make the controversy go away.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“There’s a perception in the league that NBA commissioner Adam Silver isn’t exactly a neutral party in this NBA investigation of the Los Angeles Clippers,” Strauss wrote. “There’s a belief within NBA circles that both sides, the Clippers and the league, have been in communication, and are on something of the same page here.
“I’m not saying the Clippers will avoid a punishment. I am saying that both sides appear to be working in concert towards putting this scandal in the rearview, and NBA messaging reflects that.”
For their part, Leonard and the Clippers have recently denied any wrongdoing, albeit fairly unconvincingly. It will be interesting to watch how this all unfolds, although the start of the 2025-26 campaign might draw attention away from it all.
GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
TUESDAY ROUNDUP: Tyreek Hill injury, Bengals beyond saving, and more
NFL: Ryan Clark roasts Cincinnati Bengals for looking like fake high school Bishop Sycamore
MLB: Netflix’s Montreal Expos documentary looks like a true crime thriller
NBA: Kevin Durant drops major clue about Houston Rockets future
SPORTS MEDIA: ESPN college football analyst could leave network for shocking political role