Santa Claus will get to the West Coast a little late, but the Los Angeles Clippers are getting a $103 million gift next week. According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, the team is targeting Jan. 4 as the return date for Kawhi Leonard. The decorated forward has yet to play this season, as the franchise has decided to slow roll his injury rehab in hopes of keeping him healthy for a longer stretch.
Clippers Reveal Target Date For Kawhi Leonard’s Return
At 17-13, the Clippers are currently seventh in the Western Conference standings.
They’ve leaned into their defensive identity, as was expected after they hired former head coach Jeff Van Gundy in the offseason. Norman Powell’s All-Star transformation has been a sight to behold, so much so that there’s no second guessing their decision not to give in to Paul George. James Harden’s volume production has been important and his passing prowess invaluable.
However, Leonard is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Final MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and six-time All-Star.
The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding 🖐🏾#kawhileonard #KL2 pic.twitter.com/CSGl4HqY9T
— Kawhi Leonard (@Way2Whi) December 27, 2024
Accolades aside, the 33-year-old is a top-tier two-way player whose positively impacts winning in a way few others can.
On offense, he’s a master technician with great footwork and touch. On defense, he’s capable of guarding four positions (1-4) at a high level due to his instincts, intellect, and physical tools. In fact, when he does return, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue expects Leonard’s transition to be relatively smooth at that end.
There is indeed a target date for Kawhi Leonard: Saturday, January 4 at Intuit Dome, when LA Clippers host Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @TheAthletic
— Law Murray ⚛️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) December 28, 2024
When or if he returns to play on Jan. 4, he might not have a world-beating performance against the Atlanta Hawks. After all, his last game was eight months ago (April 26). Still, the more the Clippers can put him on the floor, the better off they’ll be.
Since Leonard originally signed with L.A. in 2019, they’re 154-75. Their win percentage (.672) in that stretch would rank fourth in West this season and sixth among all teams. For context, the Clippers are just 79-82 without Leonard since 2019-20. Their win percentage (.491) in that stretch would rank 12th in the West this season and 19th among all teams.
Kawhi Leonard & James Harden Duo >>>>>> pic.twitter.com/xipBzhTGWb
— ShowTymeDaVision (@ShowTymeMedia) December 21, 2024
Suffice it to say, if anybody will have a happy New Year, it’s them.
