In their last 14 games, the Clippers are 12-2. After a rough start to the year, Los Angeles is battling their way back into contention in the West. The team is 18-23 after a win on Friday vs. the Raptors.
During that win vs. Toronto, the Clippers were without all-star PF Kawhi Leonard. The 34-year-old was listed as out due to a right ankle sprain and left knee contusion. On Sunday afternoon, NBA insider Chris Haynes shared the latest reporting on Leonard. Haynes noted that the team has sent Kawhi Leonard home for the team’s final two games of their current road trip. Will Leonard miss extended time?
The Clippers cannot afford for Kawhi Leonard to be out if they want to make the postseason
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard — who’s having a career year — is dealing with left knee irritation and is being sent home from the road trip for treatment, league sources tell @NBAonPrime, @NBATV. He’ll be evaluated once the team returns Wednesday.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 18, 2026
So far this season, Kawhi Leonard has started 30 of the Clippers’ 41 games. He missed 10 earlier in the season due to right foot and ankle injuries. Leonard made 24 consecutive starts since he returned on November 23. That was until he missed Los Angeles’ game on Friday vs. the Raptors. That was Kawhi’s 11th missed game in 2025-26. Over the weekend, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Kawhi Leonard is “dealing with left knee irritation and is being sent home from the road trip for treatment.”
Los Angeles has two games left on their current road trip. They are in Washington on Monday and then in Chicago on Tuesday evening. Leonard will not be available for either of those contests. Chris Haynes said Leonard will be re-evaluated when the team returns home from the road trip on Wednesday. He doesn’t believe the injury is anything serious moving forward for the Clippers.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is dealing with left knee irritation & is being sent home from the road trip for treatment.
Kawhi will be evaluated once the team returns on Wednesday & the injury isn’t seen as anything “too serious.”
Get well soon, Kawhi! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3gZmslY6iq
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 18, 2026
In the 11 games Leonard has missed this season, the team is just 3-8. The 34-year-old is having a career-best season offensively. His 28.2 points per game are a new career-high in his 14th season. Additionally, his .941 free-throw percentage and 2.2 steals per game lead the league in 2025-26. Against the Pistons on December 28, Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 55 points. Los Angeles cannot afford for Leonard to have a long-term injury. He’s been vital in their turnaround after starting 6-21.
As of Mondaym Janaury 19, the team is 18-23. They’ve clawed back to try and get back to a .500 record or better. Los Angeles is on the road Monday vs. the Wizards, who have lost six consecutive games. This is another opportunity for the Clippers to extend their win streak. How will the team play without the all-star level production of Kawhi Leonard?
The team will need a vintage performance from veteran PG James Harden. Additionally, Kobe Saunders and Jordan Miller are both on two-way contracts. Head coach Jason Kidd could give them more playing time while Leonard is out.
