Kawhi Leonard (Image via AP Photo)

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will miss the next four games, including the Dec. 27 game against the Golden State Warriors, as he continues to recover from a right knee injury. The team announced that Leonard will remain in Los Angeles to train with their G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers, although he will not participate in any games during this period.
Although he has fully participated in recent training sessions, Leonard remains on the sidelines as the medical team monitors his progress. The earliest expected return date for the former NBA Finals MVP is Jan. 4, 2025, when the Clippers face the Atlanta Hawks, although team sources emphasize that schedule is not set in stone.
The knee injury has caused major problems for Kawhi Leonard since the 2024 NBA Playoffs and has significantly affected his availability. His recovery faced another hurdle when he suffered a setback during Team USA’s training sessions leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, further complicating his return to full fitness.

Leonard will not play for the Los Angeles Clippers early in the season while he undergoes knee rehabilitation, a report says (Image via AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Despite Leonard’s absence, the Los Angeles Clippers have managed to maintain their competitive position in the Western Conference. They are currently 17-13 and are seeded sixth. They have shown that they can adapt well to the absence of their star player. The team will be looking to gain momentum heading into the game against the Warriors as they have already picked up victories in both encounters this season.
The cautious approach to Kawhi Leonard’s recovery reflects the Clippers’ long-term vision for their championship ambitions. As the playoff race in the Western Conference continues to heat up, how the team handles Leonard’s return will be critical to its pursuit of strong postseason success.
For now, Clippers fans are eagerly awaiting further updates on Leonard’s status as the team tries to navigate this difficult stretch without their key player. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the planned return date of January 4th becomes a reality.

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers projected starters

Golden State Warriors projected starters

Los Angeles Clippers projected starters

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Golden State Warriors tonight. Let us know who you’re enjoying in today’s game in the comments below. Also, let us know if you think Kawhi Leonard’s absence will significantly impact the team’s performance.