Update: Kawhi Leonard to sit out beginning of season for right knee rehabilitation

Injury problems persist for LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, as he will be forced to sit out the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season due to inflammation in his right knee. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Leonard's return timeline remains uncertain as he focuses on rehabilitating the injury.

Leonard was limited to two postseason games last season because of a right knee issue that has been surgically repaired twice. Leonard’s absence proved costly when the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs in six games by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

Leonard played 68 games during the regular season, his most as a Clipper, before missing the final eight because of his knee. He signed a three-year extension worth $52 million in January. But his health has restricted his postseason availability for four straight years.

He didn’t play for the U.S. at the Paris Olympics, getting replaced on the team in mid-July. USA Basketball concluded that it was in his best interest to focus on preparing for the upcoming NBA season, although the Clippers later said they had no problem with him playing in Paris. Leonard had been practicing with the U.S. team in Las Vegas when he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. The U.S. went on to win the gold medal.

The Clippers open the regular season on Oct. 23 against the Phoenix Suns.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.