The Los Angeles Clippers will have to navigate the near future without their superstar forward, as Kawhi Leonard is set to miss more time with a right ankle sprain. Head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed the news, signaling another unfortunate injury setback for the perennial All-Star.
Kawhi Leonard Sidelined for “The Next Few Games”
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Coach Lue announced that Leonard will sit out at least “the next few games” as he recovers from the ankle injury. While Lue noted that the issue is “nothing serious,” the team will continue to evaluate him. Leonard has already missed three straight games, including Saturday’s contest against the Phoenix Suns.
This timeline means Leonard could miss upcoming home games against the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. Following that, the Clippers are scheduled to embark on a lengthy seven-game road trip, which begins Friday in Dallas. His availability for that trip is now in question, leaving a significant hole in the Clippers’ lineup. Through six games this season, Leonard has been his typical dominant self, averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
A Frustratingly Familiar Pattern
For Leonard and the Clippers, injuries have been a recurring and frustrating theme. Since joining the team in 2019, Leonard’s availability has been consistently hampered. He missed the entire 2021-22 season with a torn ACL and has played more than 57 games in a season only once during his tenure in Los Angeles.
This latest injury comes after Leonard missed the first 34 games of the 2024-25 season with a knee issue. Even when he returned to lead the team to the playoffs last year, that same knee injury forced him to miss four of their six postseason games. The constant cycle of injuries has prevented the Clippers from reaching their full potential with their star-led roster.
How the Clippers Will Adjust
With Leonard out, the Clippers will once again have to rely on their depth to stay competitive. The team has experience playing without its best player and will look to others to carry the offensive load. Stars like James Harden, Bradley Beal, and center Ivica Zubac will be asked to step up and become primary scoring options.
Additionally, role players such as Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanović, and Nicolas Batum will likely see increased minutes and have a greater opportunity to contribute. While the Clippers have proven they can remain competitive without Leonard, his absence is a significant blow. The team and its fans can only hope this latest setback is a minor one and that their superstar can return to the court sooner rather than later.
