The Los Angeles Clippers are facing uncertainty regarding the availability of their star, Kawhi Leonard, as the 2024 NBA Playoffs commence.
Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank provided a fresh update concerning the right knee injury that has sidelined the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Frank stated that while Leonard's right knee remains structurally "solid and intact," the 32-year-old is dealing with "some very, very stubborn inflammation."
"[Kawhi] is doing everything [to treat his knee]. The medical staff is doing everything to get the inflammation down so he can play," Frank said, likely making the forward's status for Game 1 vs the Mavericks questionable.
Leonard has been sidelined since March 31, when he played against the Charlotte Hornets on the road. As a result, he missed the final eight games of the regular season.
The six-time NBA All-Star has enjoyed relatively good health this season compared to previous years, participating in 68 games.
This marks his highest number of appearances in a single season since joining the Clippers and his most since the 2016-17 season with the Spurs, when he played 74 games.
Kawhi Leonard's right knee has been through a lot
Leonard's right knee has been through a lot, including a torn ACL during the 2021 NBA Playoffs, which sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season.
Additionally, he experienced a torn meniscus on the same knee in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
The Clippers are set to face the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series at home on Sunday, April 21.
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