Kawhi Leonard being sidelined for the Los Angeles Clippers is a situation the team has become far too familiar with. That trend has carried into this season, as he has already sat out five straight games.
The Clippers sit at 3-8 this year, which is troubling with the Western Conference being extremely competitive. The newest update from Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank only adds to the concerns about Leonard’s absence.
What’s the Latest on Kawhi Leonard?
ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reported that Leonard is dealing with more than one injury right now.
“Kawhi Leonard missed his fifth straight game Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets, and the LA Clippers star will need more time before returning as he deals with a sprained right ankle, as well as a ‘significant’ right foot sprain,” Youngmisuk wrote.
He added that the Clippers remain optimistic about Leonard’s recovery. Frank told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk that Leonard is “making really good progress” and the team will continue treatment, with a better sense of the timeline expected next week.
Youngmisuk also noted that while the team isn’t concerned, Leonard and the Clippers did consult with three doctors about the injury — something Frank described as standard procedure.
Kawhi Leonard is dealing with a “significant” foot sprain in addition to sprained ankle. Lawrence Frank says Leonard will go on upcoming trip and Clippers should have a better feel for Leonard next week: https://t.co/GjGdIcQ4mw
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) November 13, 2025
If the Clippers are confident Leonard can make a full recovery, that is certainly positive. Still, Leonard’s injuries have become a regular problem for them and have persisted since he arrived in 2019.
The Clippers’ only realistic chance at a deep playoff run depends on Leonard staying healthy. They have not made any significant postseason noise in four years, even when Paul George was still on the roster.
They have one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, headlined by Leonard, James Harden, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez. Counting on players at this stage of their careers poses a considerable risk. Adding to their challenges, Bradley Beal has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he undergoes surgery to repair a hip fracture. When Leonard is fully healthy, he helps offset those.
With Leonard missing as many games as he has, it could greatly damage the Clippers’ playoff standing, and that is if they manage to secure a spot at all.
