Until now, there was minimal certainty about when Kawhi Leonard would take the court this season. All that was known was that he planned on playing for the Los Angeles Clippers at some point this year. Over the past few weeks, some clarity and progression have finally occurred.
Tyronn Lue typically fields questions on Leonard’s status every Monday; until recently, he did not have much to report. Last week came with a major update that the superstar forward had begun practicing in a limited fashion—no contact, but still a significant step in the right direction.
This week, the update was that Leonard has continued to progress, and there is a chance he will travel with the team on the road for the first time this season.

“We will see going forward after tonight and tomorrow to get a chance to reassess everything. He has progressed very well,” said Lue prior to their game against Utah. “There is a chance he might travel with us, but that has not been determined yet.”
Leonard traveled with the team for training camp in Hawaii, but before that, the last time he flew with the team was during the first round of the 2024 playoffs when the Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks. If he attends the upcoming road trip, there is no guarantee he will play, but it would signify that he is at least close.
The two-time Finals MVP made a name for himself in San Antonio and Toronto by winning championships. In Los Angeles, he has only participated in 28 out of a potential 43 playoff games for the Clippers. Health has always been and still is the number one concern since Leonard came to the team in 2019.
“It is great, he is Kawhi Leonard,” said James Harden on having him back at practice. “He is inching his way back toward the court, and we want him to take his time. Whenever he is ready, we will be ready for him.”
Leonard has been fantastic as a Clipper when he manages to stay on the court. In four seasons, he has averaged 24.8 points while shooting over fifty percent from the field and over forty percent from three. Just last year, in 68 regular season games, he posted career-highs in shooting percentage and minutes per game while earning an All-NBA 2nd Team selection.

If last season is any indication, Leonard is still one of the top ten to fifteen players in the NBA when healthy.
The Clippers have also been without several other key players for stretches early on, including Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Terance Mann. Still, LA has found a way to stay afloat in an always-tough Western Conference. Powell (23.5) and Ivica Zubac (14.9) are both averaging career-highs, while Harden is doing his best Houston Rockets impression of himself.
“With guys being in and out, it is tough. We have to have the same mentality every single night,” said Ty Lue. “Playing the right way and building the right habits. Once we get everyone back healthy, if you continue to build the right habits, then they will hit the ground running once they get back.”
If and when Leonard returns, this Clippers team that prides itself on the defensive side of the ball can be extremely dangerous in a seven-game series. For the moment, they are being overlooked, but if they get lucky in terms of health, they are capable of making a deep run in the playoffs.

Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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