The Los Angeles Clippers have been navigating the last stretch of games without their cornerstone, Kawhi Leonard, as he works his way back from a left knee contusion. Over that three-game span, the team has held its own, going 2-1 without their two-time Finals MVP. And now, there’s a glimmer of good news: Leonard has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Lakers-a game that features not just the crosstown rivalry, but a star-studded showdown with LeBron James and Luka Dončić in the mix.
Kawhi Leonard is QUESTIONABLE to play vs. the Lakers with a left knee contusion. https://t.co/vlcWlS9S9B
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 22, 2026
While it's still unclear whether Leonard will suit up, his upgraded status is the first real sign of progress since the injury occurred. Head coach Tyronn Lue is expected to provide more clarity in his pregame press conference, but for now, the Clippers are preparing as if there's at least a chance their leader could return to the floor.
Leonard sustained the injury during the team’s road game against the Detroit Pistons back on January 10th-the second night of a back-to-back following a win over Brooklyn. The moment in question appears to have happened early in the first quarter, around the 6:37 mark.
Leonard took contact to his left knee from Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson as Thompson attempted to fight through an Ivica Zubac screen at the top of the key. Moments later, Paul Reed made a swipe at the ball and caught Leonard again in the same knee, sending him to the floor.
It’s been difficult to pinpoint where exactly Kawhi Leonard suffered the left knee contusion against the Pistons.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 22, 2026
This play, however, appears to be a spot where it likely occurred, where Kawhi took two bumps to that left knee from Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed. (Hat tip to… https://t.co/HPPzOofK61 pic.twitter.com/gIYVy3Dl3M
Despite the double knock, Leonard stayed in the game and ended up logging just under 31 minutes. That’s Kawhi-quietly tough and committed to playing through pain when he can. He even went on to play in the Clippers’ next two games at home against the Hornets and Wizards, both of which resulted in wins, with Leonard contributing 30 minutes in each contest.
Through 30 games this season, Leonard has looked like the best version of himself. He’s averaging 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, while knocking down nearly 50 percent of his shots from the field and just under 40 percent from beyond the arc. He’s also leading the league in both steals per game and free throw percentage-a rare and telling combination that speaks to his two-way dominance.
But the Clippers have clearly felt his absence when he’s not on the floor. They’re just 4-9 without him this season, compared to an even 15-15 when he plays.
That stat alone underscores just how central Leonard is to everything the Clippers do. When he’s available, they’re a threat.
When he’s not, they’re searching for answers.
Heading into Thursday night’s game, the Clippers sit at 19-24, holding down the 10th spot in the Western Conference. It’s not where they expected to be at this point in the season, but there’s still time to climb. And getting Leonard back-even at 80 or 90 percent-could be the spark they need to start stringing wins together and making a push toward the top half of the standings.
The good news? Leonard’s trending in the right direction.
The better news? If he’s back soon and stays healthy, the Clippers still have time to make some noise in the West.