In the minds of Los Angeles Clippers fans, this was supposed to be the year. Maybe not for a championship, but most certainly for a fresh start. This will be their first year playing in their own stadium. After moving out of the Staples Center, they no longer have to play Little Brother to the Los Angeles Lakers. They also parted ways with superstar Paul Geoge during the offseason, giving Kawhi Leonard full control of the reins.
Kawhi Leonard Not Certain For Season Opener
But some things never change. At least with Kawhi's injury status. According to Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points, Leonard's status is still up in the air because of knee inflammation. It is the same injury that prevented him from playing for Team USA in the Olympics.
"Kawhi Leonard will be held out of certain drill work to open Clippers training camp. They will focus on strengthening and loading," Azarly tweeted on September 24.
"Lawrence Frank says the inflammation has gone down significantly, but not completely. Says he's in a really good place but they want to keep it in a good place."
Kawhi Leonard will be held out of certain drill work to open Clippers training camp. They will focus on strengthening and loading.
Lawrence Frank says the inflammation has gone down significantly, but not completely. Says he’s in a really good place but they want to keep it in a…
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) September 24, 2024
Fans React to Clippers Star's Injury Status
Injuries to Leonard have pretty much derailed the Clippers' chances at a title over the last few seasons. And with Paul George now in Philadelphia, those injuries are even more significant. Following the report, Clippers fans voiced their concerns about Kawhi's pending status for opening night next month.
"So it really was true... he wasn't healthy during Team USA practice that's why they took him off the team," one fan suggested on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I'm gonna be honest with you too I wish the Clippers would move on as well. He's my favorite player but I'm just tired of the Lawrence Frank fiasco. I just don't want to deal with Lawrence Frank anymore I will ride the Kawai and go somewhere else where he is appreciated," another fan added.
"That's why PG ain't play hard all playoffs 'cause he knew Kawhi wasn't coming back. Pg could have easily put buckets on the defenders guarding him during the Mavs series," another fan said.
"This chapter needs to end. Been saying it since 2021. Kawhi should retire or be moved. The team needs to move on. Shift heavy into young players," another fan suggested.
