The "Klaw" finally might be ready for his return to the hardwood.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is reportedly targeting Jan. 4 against the Atlanta Hawks for his season debut, according to Law Murray of the Athletic.
Leonard has missed all 30 of the team's games to this point due to right knee inflammation. It's the same issue that caused the Clippers star to withdraw from Team USA's roster ahead of the Paris Olympics this past summer.
The 27-year-old returned to team practice just over two weeks ago but had not been cleared for contact at the time. According to Murray, Los Angeles is taking Leonard's return slowly, but "the time is coming very soon and this next week is a key next step."
Leonard, a six-time All-Star, has played in only 210 of a possible 467 games since joining the Clippers in 2019. He previously missed all of 2021-22 due to an ACL tear. And while Leonard suited up 68 times 2023-24 — his first time eclipsing 60 games since leading the Toronto Raptors to a title in 2019 — he missed four of the Clippers' six playoff contests as they were bounced by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.
The 12-year veteran averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting over 40 per cent from beyond the arc last season, and earned second-team All-NBA honours for his efforts.
His resume includes two NBA titles with two NBA Finals MVPs, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, seven All-Defence selections and six All-NBA nods.
Meanwhile, the Clippers have been a pleasant surprise out West thus far. Even without Leonard and his former running mate Paul George, who departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, Los Angeles has gotten off to a 17-13 start.
Los Angeles, the No. 7 team in the Western Conference, has been steadied by the likes of James Harden and Norman Powell while boasting an elite defence. The Clippers have the sixth best defensive rating and are currently allowing the fifth-fewest points per game. Adding Leonard's elite prowess at that end, when healthy, should only emphasize that strength.
The Clippers return to action on Friday, hosting the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles.
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