Before his injury, Kawhi Leonard had scored 30-plus points in 2 straight games.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returned to the floor just in time to face the Lakers.
The six-time All-Star had missed three straight games with a knee contusion but was able to return to the lineup on Thursday. Veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes reported shortly before tip that Leonard would return.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (knee contusion) will return tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 23, 2026
Leonard meshed right back in with his teammates, scoring 24 points on 9-for-19 shooting in the Clippers’ 112-104 victory over the Lakers.
Leonard, who had scored 33 points in his most recent game last Wednesday against the Wizards, is averaging 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Leonard’s 28.2 points through 30 games is a career high.
