Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has taken his first step towards making a return ahead of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined since March 31, when he last played against the Charlotte Hornets on the road, due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. As a result, he missed the final eight games of the regular season.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue gave a huge update regarding Leonard ahead of a team practice session on Tuesday, April 16.

"Not fully, but he's going to be a part of practice. He's going to do a quarter of the practice," the 46-year-old tactician said.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP has grappled with several significant right knee issues in recent years, including a torn ACL during the 2021 playoffs, which sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season, and a torn meniscus that cut short his participation in the 2023 playoffs.

Clippers still unsure of Kawhi Leonard's status for Game 1 vs Mavericks

The Clippers will play the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at home on Sunday, April 21.

Lue remained cautious about Leonard's availability for the game, stating, "We'll see" regarding his potential participation.

He also mentioned that Leonard is gradually increasing his workload as he is ramped up for potential game time.