Kawhi Leonard, the star player of the Los Angeles Clippers, was forced to sit out Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to right knee inflammation. The decision was made by the organization, with Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank announcing that Leonard’s surgically repaired knee was causing him pain and discomfort.
Despite missing the last eight games of the regular season and Game 1 of the series, Leonard had previously returned for Games 2 and 3 before being sidelined once again due to the inflammation. Frank expressed uncertainty about when Leonard would be able to return, emphasizing the importance of Leonard being able to move freely and without restrictions before considering his comeback.
The Mavericks managed to secure a 2-1 lead in the series despite Leonard’s absence. Frank described the situation as “tricky” and acknowledged that Leonard might be out for more than just this series, highlighting the need for Leonard to demonstrate his full range of movement before being cleared to play.
While the Clippers continue to navigate Leonard’s injury concerns, their immediate focus remains on trying to overcome the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs before contemplating any further challenges that may lie ahead.
