The Los Angeles Clippers will begin construction on their new arena next week, but they will be missing their star player, Kawhi Leonard, who is set to be sidelined indefinitely as the 2024-25 season approaches. Reports from ESPN indicate that Leonard is continuing to recover from inflammation in his right knee.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has a history of injuries, including a torn ACL that kept him out for the entire 2021-22 season and a torn meniscus sustained during the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Despite healthy moments, Leonard’s injury issues resurfaced during a critical time for the Clippers.
Leonard initially suffered knee inflammation during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 31. This issue affected his performance and led to him missing the last eight games of the regular season as well as four games in the Clippers’ first-round series, which they lost to the Dallas Mavericks.
Although he was selected for Team USA this summer, Leonard was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White on the Olympic roster. USA Basketball noted that it was determined best for him to focus on his recovery rather than participate in the Olympic Games in Paris.
At 33 years old, Leonard has not taken part in any on-court activities during the Clippers’ preseason and did not engage in contact drills during training camp.
The Clippers are slated to kick off their season by hosting the Phoenix Suns in the inaugural regular season game at their new venue, the Intuit Dome, on Wednesday.