Kawhi Leonard Injury Update: Clippers Star's Status Uncertain

The LA Clippers (7-2) own the second-best record in the NBA since the start of 2026 as part of a five-game winning streak. Just as they were beginning to make a serious push for a guaranteed playoff berth, the Clippers may have lost their best player, Kawhi Leonard, to a concerning injury. According to insider Chris Haynes, Leonard was sent home from Washington on Sunday ahead of a two-game road trip that includes back-to-back games against the Wizards on MLK Day Monday and the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. “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 @NBAonPrime, @NBATV. He’ll be evaluated once the team returns Wednesday,” Haynes reported via X on Sunday. Haynes added that Leonard has been dealing with soreness in his knee since he sustained a contusion a week ago. “Kawhi Leonard sustained a contusion a week ago and has been dealing with some soreness since. It’s not seen as anything serious,” he added. Kawhi Leonard Injury News Although Haynes deemed Leonard’s contusion as not serious, the two-time Finals MVP’s injury history should definitely raise red flags for Clippers fans. During the latter stages of the 2023-24 season, the Clippers repeatedly insisted that a swelling in Leonard’s right knee was not serious and that their franchise star would be ready for the playoffs. However, Leonard would ultimately play only two postseason games before undergoing an offseason surgery to fix his knee injury. That same issue held Leonard out through the first 27 games of the 2024-25 season. Leonard has been relatively healthy this season, appearing in 30 of the Clippers’ 41 games thus far. “The Klaw” missed the first 10 games of the season recovering from right foot and ankle injuries, but has since been very healthy for Tyronn Lue’s team. Kawhi Leonard Concerns Leonard has even played back-to-back games this season, which include contests against the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons last week, as well as back-to-back games against the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies in late November. As such, it would be devastating for the Clippers if Leonard, who’s having the best year of his career from an offensive production standpoint, is hurt again. Leonard is averaging career-highs in points (28.2), 3PM (2.9), steals (2.2) and FT% (.941) this season, while tallying 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His 2.9 threes per game at a 40% clip has been a huge revelation, allowing the Clippers to maintain their standard as one of the best shooting teams in the league. To that end, since Dec. 1, the Clippers rank fifth in 3P% (.376) and sixth in offensive rating (117.9) while being five games above .500. Leonard has played at an MVP level during this stretch. Many analysts feel Kawhi Leonard is on pace to make an All-NBA and All-Defensive Team this season. However, if his injury is serious, Clippers fans may have to relive some of their worst memories from recent years.