If you’ve recently heard someone reference an NBA player with a funny laugh, they were probably talking about Kawhi Leonard. But who is Kawhi Leonard, and what makes his laugh so iconic?
National Basketball Association player Kawhi Leonard is well known for his funny laugh, which came to prominence at a media event in 2018. His laugh has inspired many internet memes and compilations of his unique laughing style. Leonard plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
In this article, I’ll discuss more about Leonard’s distinctive laugh, as well as his career. Let’s get started!
Kawhi Leonard Laugh
NBA player Kawhi Leonard skyrocketed in popularity in 2018 when, during a media event, he was asked about what he’d like people to know about him. In response to this question, he awkwardly stuttered that he’s a “fun guy,” and then he laughed. That laugh would go on to become an internet meme and the inspiration behind many compilations of his laugh, as well as a future trademark.
To hear the laugh yourself, check out the video below:
The funky laugh became so popular that Leonard was inspired to file a trademark application for “Fun Guy.” As a result, you can purchase merchandise with the “Fun Guy” expression on it, even from the official Los Angeles Clippers store. He’s also done campaigns with New Balance, which he’s reportedly earned more than $5 million for.
Kawhi Leonard Career
There’s more to Leonard than just his funny laugh. He may be a fun guy, but he’s also an extremely impressive professional basketball player. He’s a two-time NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, and a three-time NBA First Team selection. He was also part of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
In many ways, Kawhi Leonard was made to play basketball. He’s six-foot-seven, with a wingspan of over 7 feet (2 meters).
Leonard’s career began in college when he played for the San Diego State Aztecs. In 2011, he entered the NBA draft, where he was picked up by the Indiana Pacers and then traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
Leonard played seven seasons with the Spurs, after which he was traded to the Toronto Raptors. With the Raptors, he became part of a select few basketball players to win a Finals MVP award with multiple teams. The only other two players in history to accomplish this are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.
In 2019, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, and he’s played for them ever since.
If you aren’t a basketball fan, you may recognize Leonard from his cameo in the Drake music video for “Way 2 Sexy.” Leonard has two children with his longtime girlfriend, Kishele Shipley.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles Clippers player Kawhi Leonard became famous for more than just his impressive basketball skills when, in 2018, a video of him laughing at a media event went viral and inspired memes and compilations. His laugh is distinct and funky, and he’s since used it for merchandise branding.