Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers was back in a big way in 2024-25.
His average of 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists was impressive, but his health was even more noteworthy.
He only played in 37 games, but he made them count, and he was able to help his team for their entire run in the playoffs, which hadn’t happened in several years.
According to head coach Ty Lue, Leonard is committed and wants to play in as many back-to-back games as possible, but he is being held back by the medical staff.
They are attempting to “protect him from himself” and prohibit him from pushing too hard.
Ty Lue says Kawhi has been pushing to play back-to-backs, but he, Lawrence Frank, and the Clippers’ medical staff often step in to hold him out to “protect him from himself.”
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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2025
Leonard’s history with injuries is long, complicated, and troubling.
Even last season, as he was doing so well, Clippers fans were nervous that something would happen at the worst possible moment and they’d lose Leonard again.
Thankfully, that didn’t happen, but that fear will remain in 2025-26 and beyond.
The good news for Los Angeles is that they have been putting together a good lineup that can carry the weight without him.
James Harden has been a blessing for the team and keeps them competitive when Leonard isn’t able to play.
They will have to be very strategic during the new season.
They want as much as they can get of Leonard, but they also want to avoid a mistake that could lead to a serious injury that takes him out for months.
It’s great that he is adamant about playing as much as possible, but Leonard and the Clippers have to be smart.
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