Kawhi Leonard gets updates on his injured knee ahead of the Lakers game

The Los Angeles Clippers they played the last three games without Kawhi Leonard while the star forward is recovering from a left knee contusion, going 2-1 in that span. But how long will Leonard be out with the injury?

According to the Clippers injury report released Wednesday night, Kawhi Leonard considered ‘questionable’ play against LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. It’s a positive development for Leonard’s status to improve for a chance to play, and the Clippers will likely have more clarity on his knee during Tyronn Lue’s pregame press conference.

Kawhi Leonard is QUESTIONABLE to play against the Lakers with a left knee contusion. https://t.co/vlcVlS9S9B

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 22, 2026

According to a team spokesperson, Leonard suffered a left knee contusion during the team’s road game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, January 10. It was the second night of a back-to-back sweep for the Clippers, who defeated the Brooklyn Nets that Friday night.

While it’s unclear exactly where the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s injury occurred, this play with about 6:37 remaining in the first quarter against the Pistons appears to be where it likely occurred. Leonard took contact with his left knee from Auzar Thompson, who attempted to go over the Ivica Zupac screen just in front of the Pistons logo at the top of the key. Leonard then took another hit to the left knee from Paul Reed on his steal, sending Leonard into the hardwood.

It was difficult to pinpoint exactly where Kawhi Leonard suffered the left knee contusion against the Pistons.

However, this play appears to be where it likely happened, with Kawhi taking two hits on his left knee from Auzar Thompson and Paul Reid. (Hat tip to… https://t.co/HPPzOofK61 pic.twitter.com/gIIVi3Dl3M

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 22, 2026

Despite the injury, Leonard finished that game and played just under 31 minutes. He also appeared in the Clippers’ two home games against the Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards, helping lead them to victories while playing 30 minutes in each of those games.

In 30 appearances this season, Leonard is averaging 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.9 three-pointers per game for the Clippers while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three. He also currently leads the league in free throw percentage and steals per game.

The Clippers are 4-9 this season when Kawhi Leonard doesn’t play and 15-15 when he does. With a 19-24 record on the season, the Clippers will enter Thursday night’s game as the 10 seed in the Western Conference and will look to continue their climb toward the top half of the Western standings.