Kawhi Leonard Nears Return After Participating in Full-Contact Practice

The Clippers star will travel with the team but remains sidelined for the next three games as his recovery progresses cautiously.

Kawhi Leonard participated in his first full-contact, five-on-five practice of the season on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery from a knee injury.
Leonard has missed the Clippers’ first 27 games of the 2024-25 season due to offseason knee swelling and subsequent rehabilitation.
Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized a cautious approach to Leonard’s return, focusing on long-term health and avoiding setbacks.
Leonard will travel with the team for their upcoming three-game road trip but will not play, with the earliest possible return date being December 27 against the Warriors.
The Clippers have managed a 15-12 record without Leonard, relying on strong performances from Norman Powell and James Harden, and rank fifth in the league defensively.