Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers’ forward, has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to sources. The Clippers and Leonard will determine the course of treatment for the injury in the next two weeks. Leonard did not play in the final three games of the Clippers’ first-round series against the Phoenix Suns due to the injury suffered in Game 1. The team had initially reported it as a right knee sprain. Leonard played through the injury in Game 2 before being ruled out for Games 3-5. The Clippers lost four straight after winning the first game, and they were eliminated with a 136-130 loss on Tuesday.
Second Right Knee Injury for Leonard During Playoffs
The injury was compounded by Paul George’s absence, who has not played since March 21 due to a right knee sprain. The Clippers had Leonard and George together on the floor only 38 times this season, with a record of 24-14 in those games. Leonard previously suffered a partial tear in his right ACL during the 2021 Western Conference semifinals, underwent surgery in July 2021, and missed the 2021-22 season. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 52 games (50 starts) in 2022-23. The 31-year-old has not played more than 60 games in any season since 2016-17. The Athletic first reported on Leonard’s latest injury.
“It’s always in the back of your mind, ‘What if.’ It’s easy to say, ‘What if,’ because a lot of guys get hurt,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said Tuesday night. “It’s just been our luck the last three years.” The Clippers will miss Leonard’s excellent play and leadership, which was evident in their playoff run last season. The team will have to make necessary adjustments to remain competitive next season.
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