Kawai Leonard | Photo: AP Photo / Jed Jacobsohn
Kawhi Leonard’s right knee is stiff after surgery, which will force him to miss the next two National Basketball Association games (NBA) games of the Los Angeles Clippers team.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP missed all last season after injuring his cruciate ligament in the 2021 playoffs and played 21 minutes in two of the Clippers’ three games this season, coming off the bench.
Before Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Clippers manager Tyronn Lue revealed that Leonard will miss the next two games, including Thursday’s rematch in Oklahoma City.
“He had some knee stiffness after throwing training,” Lue told reporters. “We want to be careful and make sure we do everything right, even if he wanted to play.”
“We don’t think it would be wise right now. He can be mad at us if he wants to, but right now he’s not smart, “added the coach.
The Clippers took a cautious approach with Leonard. The basketball player will return to Los Angeles on Wednesday for treatment as the team watches if he’s available for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 31-year-old has averaged 12.5 points per game in two games this season, along with 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and two assists while shooting 44.4% from the field.
