Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight? Latest updates, lineups for Clippers at Lakers Nov. 1
By Tyler Watts
The LA Clippers are fresh off a massive Tuesday where they traded for James Harden and defeated the Orlando Magic. They were shorthanded after the deal saw them send four players to Philadelphia and the new talent was unavailable, but it did not matter. Paul George and Russell Westbrook took over on a slow night for Kawhi Leonard.
There is no rest for the Clippers as they face the Lakers on Wednesday night as the road team at Crypto.com Arena.
Will Leonard play on both ends of back-to-backs this season? The Athletic’s Law Murray thinks so, but nothing can be certain given his injury history. Here’s a look at the latest on his status for Nov. 1, and plenty more on why Kawhi might sit.
Kawhi Leonard’s status for tonight’s game against Lakers
Leonard is expected to play on Wednesday night against the Lakers, but head coach Tyronn Lue did note that his star looked a bit tired in his three-for-11 for 11 shooting performance against the Magic. The 32-year-old said he felt good, but a final determination will come closer to tipoff.
UPDATE 1:30 p.m. PT: Kawhi is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play on Wednesday night.
Kawhi Leonard’s injury history
Leonard’s knee issues are well-documented at this point. He has been unable to play more than 60 games in a season since 2017, and fans are always questioning if he will suit up in both ends of back-to-backs. Here is a look at the injuries that have caused him to miss at least five straight games since 2021.
- April 20, 2023: Torn meniscus in playoffs ended his season
- Nov. 23- Dec. 5, 2022: Sprained ankle (6 games)
- Oct. 25-Nov. 17, 2022- Knee pain (12 games
- June 14, 2021- Torn ACL (Missed final 8 games)
- April 11-28, 2021- Foot soreness (missed 9 of 10 games)
Kawhi Leonard could miss a game at any moment, but the team appears more committed to the regular season this year. He is healthy right now and the team is off until the Nov. 6 after tonight. All signs point to Leonard being able to play on Wednesday night.
Kawhi Leonard missed games by season
- 2023-24 season: 0 games missed
- 2022-23: 30 games
- 2021-22: 82 games (Sat entire season recovering from torn ACL)
- 2020-21: 20 games
- 2019-20: 15 games
- 2018-19: 22 games
- 2017-18: 73 games
- 2016-17: 8 games
- 2015-16: 10 games
- 2014-15: 18 games
- 2013-14: 16 games
- 2012-13: 24 games
- 2011-12: 2 games
Kawhi could care less about awards, but he must play 65 regular season games to be considered for All-NBA honors.
Who would replace Kawhi Leonard in the lineup?
The LA Clippers would have to go with Norman Powell or Kobe Brown if Kawhi Leonard is out and the Harden trade is not finalized. If it is, James Harden and P.J. Tucker likely slide directly into the starting five for their LA debuts.
Projected starting lineups tonight
LA Clippers
- Russell Westbrook
- Paul George
- Kawhi Leonard
- Bones Hyland
- Ivica Zubac
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James
- Anthony Davis
- Austin Reaves
- D’Angelo Russell
- Taurean Prince
LA Clippers next 5 opponents
The Clippers start a four-game road trip on Wednesday night before returning to Los Angeles for a single game on Nov. 12. Here is a look at their next five after their battle with the Lakers.
- at Knicks, Nov. 6, 4:30 p.m. PT
- at Nets, Nov. 8, 4:30 p.m. PT
- at Mavericks, Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m. PT
- vs. Grizzlies Nov. 12, 12:30 p.m. PT
- at Nuggets Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m. PT on TNT
LA Clippers injury report
- James Harden (conditioning): OUT
- Terance Mann (ankle): OUT
- Brandon Boston Jr. (quad): OUT
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- Jarred Vanderbilt (heel): OUT
- Rui Hachimura (eye): OUT
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (patella): OUT
- Cam Reddish (foot): PROBABLE
- Gabe Vincent (knee): DOUBTFUL
The LA Clippers need Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the lineup if they plan on taking down LeBron James and the Lakers on Wednesday night. It is the battle for Los Angeles and a national TV game on ESPN, so do not miss it.
