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LA Clippers latest with Kawhi Leonard has a familiar feel, it’s even more hopeless this time

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Kawhi Leonard has missed eight straight games and remains without a timetable for his return.

Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with a right ankle sprain and isn’t expected to be back for the Los Angeles Clippers next matchup against the Orlando Magic.

This is not new for the Clippers, who have had to deal with multiple injury setbacks with Leonard since bringing him in back in 2019.

However, this time it feels worse because the Clippers haven’t been able to play well without him and are 4-10 to begin the season.

The Los Angeles Clippers don’t own their 2026 first-round pick

Dating back to the infamous Paul George for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade, the Clippers don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder do.

Do you think this will be LeBron James’ final season?

That means, if the Clippers continue to lose and wind up with a top-3 pick in a very good 2026 NBA Draft, it would go straight to the Thunder.

So even after a season of failure, the Clippers would have absolutely nothing to show for it and would make the Thunder even more dominant.

Therefore, the Clippers can’t just pack it in and tank, they need to try something drastic.

The Clippers will probably attempt to make a desperate trade as they try to save their season.

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The Los Angeles Clippers record with and without Kawhi Leonard this season

The Clippers need Leonard back as soon as possible because their record with him compared to without him is night and day.

The Clippers are 3-3 with Leonard in the lineup this season which is a respectable .500 record.

However, without Leonard the Clippers are 1-7 and have a terrible .125 win percentage.

Clippers 2025-2026 Record with/without Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard’s Status	Wins (W)	Losses (L)	Total Games	Winning Percentage (W%)
Plays	3	3	6	.500
Does Not Play	1	7	8	.125
Overall Team Record	4	10	14	.286

Note: Data is current as of November 17, 2025.

Unlike seasons past, the Clippers have been unable to stay afloat without Leonard and they need him back or else their season will likely go up in flames.