Clippers insider provides major update on Kawhi Leonard's injury return

Kawhi Leonard has not taken the court since the playoffs last April, but his return appears closer than ever, according to an update from an LA Clippers insider.

Joey Lin, a Clippers reporter for Sports Illustrated, shared coach Tyronn Lue’s latest comments, noting that the two-time NBA champion recently completed another full five-on-five practice.

However, while Kawhi Leonard's comeback is near, it won’t happen immediately.

“Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard had another successful five on five practice today but will not play tomorrow. He needs more five on five before returning,” Lin reported on X/Twitter.

Lin also reported that Lue confirmed Leonard would not travel with the team on their upcoming road trip. Instead, he will remain with the San Diego Clippers for further practice.

Last season, Leonard played 68 games for the Clippers — the most since 2017 during his time with the Spurs — and was a key contributor to the team’s success as the No. 4 seed. He averaged 23.7 points on an efficient 52.5% shooting, along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Leonard missed Games 1, 4, 5 and 6 of the Clippers' first-round playoff series, as well as the last eight games of the regular season, due to right knee pain. In the playoff games he did play, Leonard struggled, scoring only 24 points without making a single 3-pointer.

He also missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season after undergoing major surgery on the same knee, which he injured during the 2021 playoffs. That postseason, the Clippers reached their only Western Conference Finals but were without Leonard for the rest of their run.

Widely regarded as one of the premier two-way forwards in basketball, Leonard’s stellar midrange game and defensive prowess have defined his career. However, his recent seasons have been marred by injuries, limiting his availability and impact.

Tyronn Lue discusses Kawhi Leonard’s impact on minutes distribution

This season, the Clippers have not only faced Kawhi Leonard’s prolonged absence but also adjusted to the loss of Paul George. As a result, minutes have been more evenly distributed across the roster, with James Harden standing as the team’s lone consistent star.

Currently, 14 of the Clippers’ 16 rostered players average double-digit minutes, including standout performances from Harden, Norman Powell — who is enjoying a breakout year at age 31 — and dependable center Ivica Zubac.

Once Leonard returns, Lue expects the rotation to stabilize.

“A lot of guys have played above and beyond what they could be, and we needed every bit of it,” Lue said per Law Murray. “Now you can kind of just, once he gets his minutes built up… everybody kind of goes back into their own slot.”

Contributions have come from Powell, Amir Coffey and offseason acquisitions like Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr., all stepping up during Leonard’s absence.