Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is nearing his long-awaited return, with reports suggesting he could rejoin the team before Christmas.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been sidelined since the end of the 2023-24 regular season due to right knee inflammation and has yet to play in the current campaign.
Leonard’s absence has left the Clippers leaning on James Harden and Norman Powell to stay competitive. Despite the setback, Los Angeles has managed a respectable 14-10 record, sitting sixth in the Western Conference standings.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons provided an update on Leonard’s recovery during a recent podcast. “My Clippers guy was telling me Kawhi’s coming back before Christmas,” Simmons said. “I think he’s ramped up. He’s ramped up and ready to go.”
Leonard’s injury history has been a persistent issue for the Clippers since he joined the team in 2019. The current setback traces back to July 2024, when Leonard experienced complications during the U.S. national team camp ahead of the Paris Olympics.
