Kawhi Leonard aims for Clippers' opening night despite knee concerns

Inglewood, California, is the setting for Kawhi Leonard's ongoing management of his knee injury as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers. After struggling with knee inflammation that limited his postseason performance last year, Leonard underwent a procedure in May to address the issue. Despite being medically cleared to play for Team USA at the Summer Olympics, he opted out to focus on his health and readiness for the NBA season. Leonard expressed optimism about being part of the Clippers' opening night lineup on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, contingent on his knee's condition. He acknowledged the possibility of dealing with knee inflammation throughout his career but emphasized the importance of being cautious to ensure he can contribute effectively during critical moments of the season. Leonard's health has been a significant concern, as he has been unable to complete a full season for the past four years. He played 68 games last season, his highest total as a Clipper, but missed the final eight games due to knee issues. His absence was felt during the playoffs, where the Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard's teammate, James Harden, has expressed support for Leonard's cautious approach, emphasizing the need for him to be healthy later in the season. As the Clippers begin training camp, Leonard's focus remains on managing his knee while preparing for the challenges ahead. He aims to complete a full season for the first time in five years, taking a day-by-day approach to his recovery and conditioning. The Clippers are hopeful that with Leonard's contributions, they can achieve greater success this season.