The LA Clippers have decided to send Kawhi Leonard back to Los Angeles before the conclusion of their East Coast road trip because of irritation in his left knee.
As a result, Leonard will sit out the final two games of the trip, Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards and Tuesday’s game versus the Chicago Bulls.
The Clippers plan to reassess Leonard’s condition once the team returns home on Wednesday.
That timing is notable, as Los Angeles is scheduled to host its crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Thursday.
Leonard had been relatively durable before the setback, appearing in 24 straight games from late November through the middle of January.
The knee issue surfaced after he suffered a contusion in a win over Washington, which led to him missing Friday’s loss against the Toronto Raptors and ultimately prompted the decision to end his road trip early.
Kawhi Leonard Sent Home From Road Trip Due To Left Knee Irritation https://t.co/dxOqrafbp5
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 18, 2026
