After staying healthy for a full playoff series for the first time in four years, Los Angeles Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard appears on track for a strong 14th season. On Saturday, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank provided an encouraging update on the oft-injured 34-year-old’s offseason outlook.
Since winning his second NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Leonard’s postseason impact has gradually waned with the Clippers, largely due to injuries. In June 2021, he suffered a partially torn right ACL, which cost him the entire 2021-22 campaign, followed by a torn right meniscus in April 2023. A year later, right knee inflammation derailed his 2024 playoff appearance and the start of this past season, casting doubt on his future.
Despite missing the first 34 outings of the 2024-25 campaign, Leonard made a triumphant return in early January, managing his health through the postseason. With a revamped roster, LA could take another step next season, with Leonard’s health once again serving as the catalyst.
Lawrence Frank Expresses Optimism About Kawhi Leonard’s Offseason Progress
During Saturday’s media availability session, Frank was asked about Leonard’s progress since the Clippers’ Game 7 defeat in Denver. Frank raved about the six-time All-Star’s on and off-court work as he embarks upon a rare summer without any setbacks.
“He’s doing great,” Frank said (timestamp: 13:51). “One, he’s healthy, which it’s not just a physical thing, it’s also a mental and emotional thing to go into an offseason without having surgery. So, he feels great, he’s been working extremely hard, and he has some trips lined up. He’ll be going to Africa at the end of the month. He continues to work; we’ll be sending a coach with him.”
Frank also touched on Leonard’s eagerness to work with LA’s new-look roster, featuring free-agent additions Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez as well as trade acquisition John Collins.
“He’s super excited about the roster, he’s super excited about the season, and he’s super excited that he’s gonna be able to begin at training camp,” Frank said.
Coming off a 50-win season, the Clippers appear poised to compete for home-court advantage in next year’s playoffs.
Lopez should provide them with floor spacing and rim protection at the five spot, while Collins will diversify their frontcourt as a bona fide lob threat. Meanwhile, Beal is expected to fill in offensively for recently traded veteran shooting guard Norman Powell.
A 2026 postseason series win for Leonard and Co. would mark their first since 2021.
the roster is deep enough to limit minutes on the older guys. Clippers did better than I though they would. Kawi will not be playing much PF, less of a grind. And when Zu sits the rim wont be so open with Lopez dropping back. Lopez presents some interesting (5) 3 point shooter lineups. And with Collinns they can go small with (5) 3 point shooter lineup.