Kawhi Leonard Reveals He’ll Have Knee Inflammation For Rest Of His Career

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard told NBA reporters at media day that he’ll have knee inflammation for the rest of his career. 

Leonard had another knee procedure this offseason. 

Kawhi Leonard says the inflammation in his knee is something that he could have to deal with for rest of his career but he says he and medical staff have a handle on it and are doing what is needed to keep it from being something that will be an issue down the road.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) September 30, 2024

Leonard deals with chronic inflammation from the multiple surgeries he’s had. He played in just two playoff games in 2023 due to a torn right meniscus and missed the entire 2021-22 season after tearing his right ACL during the 2021 playoffs. 

One of the top players in NBA history, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 2023-24 for the Clippers in 68 games while shooting 52.5% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arc and 88.5% from the free-throw line. He made the All-Star team and the All-NBA second team. 

The Clippers won 51 games in the regular season but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs in six games. Leonard only played in Games 2 and 3. 

LAC lost Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason in free agency. Leonard and George failed to guide the Clippers to the NBA Finals as a duo. 

The Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $153 million extension in January. On his podcast, George said LAC offered him a three-year, $150 million contract.

When George countered by asking for a no-trade clause in the deal, the Clippers declined.

George requested a four-year contract worth $212 million without the no-trade clause, but the Clippers weren’t interested.

Leonard has career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Clippers.