Lue: No timetable for Leonard's return to Clippers' lineup

Posted November 06, 2022 6:00 am

By BETH HARRIS

LA Clippers guard John Wall, center, and forward Kawhi Leonard, right, sit on the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kawhi Leonard sat out for the eighth time this season for the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, and there's no timetable for his return.

Leonard has appeared in just two games for the Clippers since the season began on Oct. 20. He's averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and two assists. He missed all of last season while rehabbing from surgery for a partially torn ACL in his right knee.

'œWe knew coming off an ACL it wasn't going to be a straight line. We talked about it before the season,'ť coach Tyronn Lue said before the Clippers hosted the Utah Jazz. 'œThe biggest thing is he's progressing well. We're just going to follow the lead of our medical staff. We got to be smart about the situation.'ť

Leonard didn't join the Clippers on their recent two-game trip to Texas. Lue said Leonard has been working out on his own.

'œHe's progressing and he's getting better, so that's the most important thing,'ť the coach said. 'œThere's really not a timeframe of when he's going to be back.'ť

The Clippers have major aspirations to win the franchise's first NBA championship and Leonard figures heavily in those plans.

The team was 5-4 and had won three in a row heading into Sunday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard gestures after scoring during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, below, tries to shoot as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis fouls him during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

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