Paul George and Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Paul George (#13) and Kawhi Leonard (#2) of the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Clippers may not be playing in the 2024 NBA Finals, but their star Kawhi Leonard still took a shot during ESPN's television coverage of the series while teammate Paul George made a guest appearance.

Television host Stephen A. Smith alluded to Leonard when discussing Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis missing Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks due to a rare left leg injury.

"Nobody on the planet knows what it's like to play without a star than Paul George," the 56-year-old told George during the network's NBA Countdown pre-game show in the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday, June 12.

The other co-hosts, Malika Andrews, Michael Wilbon, and former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers, had varied reactions to the statement as George quipped a rebuttal.

"Don't do that," the nine-time NBA All-Star responded.

Stephen A. Smith blasts Kawhi Leonard's injury history

Smith has frequently criticized Leonard for his troubled injury history, which has caused him to miss many important games.

Leonard has been unable to stay healthy in the last four postseasons, including this year when the Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Western Conference champions Dallas Mavericks.

Leonard only appeared in two games in that series, as they were eliminated in six games.