Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard News After Leaving Kings Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 1:03 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of a transitional season yet still have enough pieces in place to make a push for the NBA playoffs. After all, Los Angeles does not own its first‑round pick this year.

Fortunately for the younger core that emerged following the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline, the Clippers still have a true superstar leading the way in Kawhi Leonard.

Entering Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, the Clippers were riding a four‑game winning streak. Through 52 games, the 34‑year‑old has averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting an efficient 50.0% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.

Leonard has continued to play some of the best basketball of his career, operating as an efficient offensive playmaker and elite defender. He remains one of the league’s premier two‑way players.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During Saturday’s matchup against Sacramento, Leonard was having another standout performance. In his first 26 minutes of action, he scored 31 points on 13‑of‑23 shooting while adding six rebounds and two steals.

However, Leonard experienced multiple setbacks on Saturday, one minor and one far more concerning. He suffered a laceration in the first half that forced him to briefly head to the locker room, though he ultimately returned.

The more serious issue came in the fourth quarter when Leonard landed awkwardly and immediately headed to the bench before being subbed out for Kris Dunn.

Moments later, the Clippers announced he had been ruled out for the remainder of the game with a left ankle injury. Los Angeles provided another update after the loss, revealing that Leonard has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain (h/t Joey Linn).

The Clippers say Kawhi Leonard has a sprained left ankle.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 15, 2026

This is troubling for the Clippers if Leonard’s injury forces him to miss time beyond Saturday’s game. He has remained as impactful as ever in his 14th NBA season.

Leonard is a seven‑time All‑Star, six‑time All‑NBA selection, two‑time Defensive Player of the Year and two‑time NBA champion, still striving to add another ring to his individual accomplishments, even if the odds of that happening this season are slim.

His status will continue to be monitored as more updates surface, and his next chance to return to game action will come Monday at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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