Clippers HC Tyronn Lue: Paul George to undergo MRI, Kawhi Leonard unlikely to return this season

The 2021-2022 NBA season may already be a lost one for Los Angeles Clippers five-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, but the team should know more about fellow star Paul George in the coming weeks.

Following the Clippers dramatic 111-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, head coach Tyronn Lue provided updates on both players.

"We know Kawhi's probably not gonna come back," Lue said. "We don't know the status of PG, but these guys continue to keep fighting. Every single night."

ESPN staff writer Ohm Youngmisuk reported early Friday morning that George will undergo an MRI on his injured right elbow on Feb. 24 to determine if the torn UCL has improved during his time off. "PG-13" has been limited to 26 games this season and hasn't suited up since Dec. 22.

It was reported in late January that season-ending surgery could be a "real option" for George. In his 12th NBA season, the 31-year-old is averaging 24.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, a career-high 5.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 35.5 minutes per game. The 31-year-old's scoring, rebounding, steals and minutes are all his highest since joining the Clippers ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Leonard has missed the entire season thus far, rehabbing from the torn ACL that he suffered during a playoff game on June 14, 2021.