LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with right knee inflammation, causing him to miss the final eight games of the regular season.
Coach Ty Lue has remained tight-lipped about Leonard’s status for the playoffs, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski provided some insight.
According to Wojnarowski, Leonard’s knee inflammation is not more severe than what has been communicated. This is significant considering Leonard’s history of knee surgeries, including meniscus and ACL procedures.
The team will continue to treat his knee leading up to the playoffs, which start on April 21st against the Mavericks.
Kawhi Leonard reportedly has ‘a lot of swelling’ in his knee, per @Chris_Broussard
“I was in contact with someone in the know, and they said they are concerned.”
(Via @FTFonFS1 ) pic.twitter.com/qgbQG60X85
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2024
There has been growing concern about Leonard’s absence, as he hasn’t played since March 31 due to knee soreness. Coach Lue expressed hope that Leonard will be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs, but his prolonged absence has raised anxiety levels among Clippers fans.
Team president Lawrence Frank mentioned that Leonard is dealing with inflammation, which limits his ability to make natural basketball moves. Despite his knee issues, Leonard had a successful season, with impressive statistics and accolades such as All-Star selection.
The Clippers are locked into the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and will face the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. However, their success may depend on Leonard’s availability and condition.
Fans reacted as follows:
One of the biggest what ifs still has two title runs somehow
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) April 15, 2024
Man he always get injured for the offs
Feel bad
— TheWarriorsHouse (@GSWarriorsHouse) April 15, 2024
Who the hell is listening to “Chris Broussard”?
— ChokeCityClips🏴☠️ (@BonesGotBizzy) April 15, 2024
Sad to see but expected people acted like they were gonna do something with injury prone players and playoff droppers
— Lucro 💫 (@lucrodontmiss) April 15, 2024
Same thing happened last playoffs. I doubt he plays game 1, and its very likely he misses the entire series
— Kyrie’s Tribesman🤞🏾 (@NevaMiss24) April 15, 2024
Bro will suck it up and play, no doubt.
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) April 15, 2024
This 🥷 mannnnnm!!! He can’t stay healthy!🤦🏾♂️
— Van (@vanman_1000) April 15, 2024
I pray for his Swift recovery 🙏🏻
— Deepak Tiwari (@Believer2202) April 15, 2024
Yes I don’t trust him no offense he said Lebron was coming to the Knicks during the decision
— DEION aka hogwarts is my home (@B1gBoned) April 15, 2024
This happens every year. No one should be surprised.
— Stephen Ai Smith ᶠᵃⁿ (@stephenaismth) April 15, 2024
Damn hopefully he can get well dur!ng the break, or at least be ready for the deeper half of the playoffs if the Cl!ps make it.
— 💎 (@_Walentino) April 15, 2024
Doesn't Kawhi have patellar tendonitis? That never goes away completely
— ClosestedBronsexual (@AllThingsBron) April 16, 2024
Kawhi needs to retire and chill before his knees give out on him lol
— Max Escobar (@_maxescobar) April 16, 2024
