Kawhi Leonard is facing health setback (Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Clippers had a difficult start to the season, but in recent weeks they have developed a rhythm and begun to win a lot of games. Everyone has improved, even Kawhi Leonard, who has been largely healthy lately. The star forward is currently being transferred back to Los Angeles to receive treatment for his left knee injury. According to the organisation, he will therefore miss the last two games of the Clippers’ road trip. Due to a left ankle injury sustained on January 7, Leonard missed Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, ending a run of 24 consecutive games. On January 16, the Clippers improved their overall record to 18-23 after defeating the Raptors 121-117 in overtime with Leonard out.
Clippers take cautious approach after Kawhi Leonard experiences renewed knee soreness
According to NBA source Chris Haynes, Leonard just experienced a setback and is battling with an injury that will lead him to lose some time. Leonard is experiencing knee soreness after missing Friday’s overtime victory in Toronto due to a right ankle sprain and a left knee contusion. When the team returns to Los Angeles on Wednesday, he will be examined once more. Leonard’s knee injury isn’t seen as significant, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who broke the story first. During a victory at Detroit on January 10, the six-time All-NBA player suffered the contusion. Haynes wrote on X:“Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard — who’s having a career year — is dealing with left knee irritation and is being sent home from the road trip for treatment, league sources tell NBA on Prime, NBA TV. He’ll be evaluated once the team returns Wednesday.”Additionally, talking about his form, Coach Tyronn Lue said via basketball journalist Joey Linn:“The mode he’s in right now, it’s like coaching Kawhi in the playoffs… He gets to the playoffs, he goes to the next level. Ever since that Laker game, I thought he’s going to that next level. Every single night willing us through. It’s been huge for us as far as winning games.”Leonard had occasional ailments earlier in the season, but he was able to recover and play a string of strong games that helped the Clippers get back on pace. Leonard has struggled with knee injuries for the previous few years, so the team has had to be careful about how much he plays.
Kawhi Leonard has helped the Clippers win many games, inspite of injury concerns
Due to ailments to his right foot and ankle, the 33-year-old also missed ten games in November. It’s unclear now if he’s experiencing the same issues, but it wouldn’t be shocking. The only thing we can hope for is that nothing will prevent him from leaving for a long time. After their victory over the Washington Wizards, head coach Ty Lue said that he felt like he was witnessing Playoff Kawhi. It appeared as though Leonard was playing at a higher level in recent games.So far in 2025–2026, the Clippers are 3–8 without Leonard. During the Clippers’ incredible comeback, Leonard has performed at an MVP level. They are now 18-23, good for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, after going 12-2 after being 6-21 on December 18. With an average of 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 49.7% shooting from the field, the two-time Finals MVP is having one of his best seasons since his stint with the Raptors in 2018–19. Leonard is averaging a career-high 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals in 30 games this season.