Clippers Announce Kawhi Leonard News After Leaving Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 12:48 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers are now building for the future as the core around superstar small forward Kawhi Leonard has been dismantled following the trade deadline.

Center Ivica Zubac is now with the Indiana Pacers, while Leonard’s former All‑Star running mate James Harden is helping the Cleveland Cavaliers chase a top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Leonard remains the most important player on the Clippers’ roster, and even with tempered expectations the rest of the way, he continues to suit up and compete.

He has been outstanding this season, dominating as a two‑way force who scores efficiently, defends multiple positions and controls the pace of games on both ends. The 34‑year‑old veteran is averaging 27.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 49.0% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc across 42 games.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

During Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Leonard got off to a strong start, keeping the Clippers competitive with an efficient shooting night against their crosstown rivals.

In 31 minutes of action, he went 11‑of‑19 from the field, knocked down four 3‑pointers and added four rebounds and five assists.

However, his momentum came to a halt in the fourth quarter when he exited the game with only minutes remaining and headed straight to the locker room, immediately raising concern.

Moments later, the Clippers announced he had been ruled out for the remainder of the game with left ankle soreness (h/t Joey Linn).

Kawhi Leonard is out for the rest of tonight’s game with left ankle soreness.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 21, 2026

This is troubling for the Clippers because Leonard is the engine of everything they do. Without him, their offense loses its primary creator, their defense loses its anchor and their young roster loses the stabilizing presence that keeps them competitive. Any setback, even a minor one, threatens their ability to stay afloat the rest of the season.

Across 14 seasons, Leonard has put together one of the strongest careers of his era with eight All‑Star nods, six All‑NBA selections, two NBA titles and two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Few players in the league combine scoring, efficiency and elite defense the way he does, and his presence alone elevates a roster. As the Clippers navigate the final stretch of the season, everything hinges on Leonard’s health and whether this latest setback proves to be only a brief interruption.

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

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