Clippers HC Tyron Lue delivers blunt response to Kawhi Leonard's rumored Christmas return

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has missed the entire season to this point as he continues to rehab an injured right knee. Leonard is building up his torn meniscus, which required surgery in 2023.

Leonard's injury timeline remains a relative unknown as Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has not provided a timetable for a potential return. Earlier this week, rumors began to swirl regarding Leonard's return, predicting the All-Star to make his season debut around Christmas.

Lue was asked about these rumors during Los Angeles' practice on Saturday afternoon and he had a blunt response.

"I don't know. I don't know," Lue said. "Who said that?" Lue questioned, stating he had no information regarding Leonard's rumored return around Christmas.

Reporters informed Lue that NBA Insider Bill Simmons released the report that Kawhi Leonard will return in the coming weeks.

Clippers surging in Kawhi Leonard's absence

Despite Kawhi Leonard's extended absence, the Clippers are staying float in the Western Conference. Through 24 games, the Clippers sit at 14-10 on the season and are in control of the sixth seed in the West.

In their last 11 games, Los Angles has posted an 8-3 record, outscoring opponents by an average of 14.5 points during that stretch. Los Angeles is led by heroic play in their backcourt from James Harden and Norman Powell.

Powell is averaging a career-high 23.9 points, grabbing 2.9 rebounds and distributing 2.4 assists per game. He is shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field and is connecting on 50.5% of his 3-point attempts in Leonard's absence.

In his 16th NBA season, Harden is averaging 21.6 ppg, 8.5 apg and 6.8 rpg, shooting 34% from 3-point range. In his last five games, Harden is averaging 26.0 ppg, including a 43-point, seven-assist performance on Nov. 27 and a 39-point, 11-assist showing in Los Angeles' 126-122 win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.