Kawhi Leonard is no stranger to injuries. Throughout his career, the Los Angeles Clippers forward has battled various setbacks, but one thing has always remained clear—he never truly wants to sit out a game. According to head coach Tyronn Lue, Leonard has already expressed his determination to play more consistently next season, including in back-to-back matchups, something he has rarely been able to do in recent years.
The Beginning of Kawhi’s Injury Struggles
Leonard’s battle with injuries can be traced back to his final season with the San Antonio Spurs. While he had minor setbacks before, the quadriceps injury he suffered during the 2017–2018 campaign marked the beginning of recurring lower-body issues that have impacted his availability ever since.
Fast forward seven years, and the 33-year-old forward is still dealing with knee problems. During the 2024–2025 NBA regular season, Leonard missed the first 34 games due to knee inflammation and swelling. He eventually returned to the court but was only able to play in 37 games, averaging 21.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.1% from three-point range. However, he managed to appear in just one set of back-to-back games all season, following long-standing medical advice that he should avoid such situations depending on the severity of his injuries.
Tyronn Lue: “We Have to Protect Him From Himself”
Coach Tyronn Lue recently opened up about Leonard’s mentality during an interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay. Lue emphasized that Leonard’s limited appearances were never due to a lack of desire to play, but rather the medical staff’s decision to prioritize his long-term health.
“I feel for him,” Lue said. “Because we see the amount of work he puts in every single day. He never wants to sit out or miss a game. A lot of times, those decisions come from us—whether it’s me, Lawrence Frank, or the medical staff. Sometimes we have to protect him from himself.”
Kawhi’s Own Words: Love for the Game Keeps Him Going
Leonard himself has been vocal about his passion for basketball and his relentless drive to keep competing at the highest level despite the setbacks.
“I love this game and I’m still excited about it,” Leonard said in a recent interview. “I enjoy competing out there, and that’s what motivates me to keep coming back.”
That competitive fire was on full display in last season’s playoffs, where Leonard suited up for all seven of the Clippers’ games. He averaged 25 points per contest while shooting an outstanding 53.7% from the field, proving that when healthy, he remains one of the most efficient two-way players in the NBA.
What’s Next for Leonard and the Clippers?
Currently, Leonard is spending part of his offseason on a promotional tour in China, looking healthy both physically and mentally. With the Clippers strengthening their roster by adding Bradley Beal and John Collins, the team enters the 2025–2026 season with renewed optimism.
If Leonard can begin the season healthy and consistently appear in more games—including those difficult back-to-back stretches—the Clippers could finally have the stability they need to make a deep playoff run. For Leonard, the challenge is clear: proving that his body can hold up to the demands of an NBA season while continuing to perform at an elite level.
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