(Los Angeles) Kawhi Leonard, who has missed the Clippers’ last three games, is suffering from a torn meniscus, The Athletic reported Wednesday.
The California franchise, which was eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by Phoenix, had simply indicated that he suffered from a right knee injury but did not specify the nature.
According to the American media citing sources within the Californian club, which has not confirmed the diagnosis, his duration of unavailability is not yet known.
His absence was all the more detrimental to L.A. as he averaged 35 points after the first two games of the series against the Suns, who ultimately won 4-1.
Leonard had made his return to the courts this season after missing the previous one due to a torn ligament in the same knee and had taken time to regain his best level. His newfound momentum was thus brutally stopped during these playoffs.
The MVP of the 2019 Finals, won with Toronto, has 23.8 points (51.2% shooting) and 6.5 rebounds average in the current season, but has missed 30 of 82 games due to wounds and to spare his body.
The 31-year-old must now decide whether or not to activate his $48.8 million option for next season, the last guaranteed by his contract.