Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard suffered a torn meniscus
The Los Angeles Clippers fell short in the first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns after Tuesday’s Game 5 loss.
The Clippers’ downward spiral intensified after star forward Kawhi Leonard suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The injury occurred in Game 1. Leonard played through it in Game 2, but did not play for the final three games of the series. Before the diagnosis, Los Angeles had stated on the injury reports that he was dealing with a right knee sprain.
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The concern for the injury rose to another level as it is the second time he’s hurt his right knee. He had a partial ear in his right ACL during the Western Conference semifinals matchup against the Utah Jazz in 2021.
Leonard underwent surgery to repair the injury that forced him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. The treatment for his latest injury will be determined over the next two weeks, which could likely see him undergo another knee surgery.
The Clippers have struggled to fulfill their potential as injuries have derailed any possible deep playoff push. Leonard has limped through the last few seasons dealing with nagging leg issues.
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Meanwhile, his health situation has forced him to play on a limited basis during the regulation to allow him to reach the playoffs.
The Clippers will head into the offseason with plenty of questions surrounding the team’s future. Leonard will be heading into the third year of his four-year, $176.2 million deal that holds a $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
