Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard revealed that he has been dealing with a sore right foot for several weeks, but said it’s “nothing significant,” writes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. Saturday marked Leonard’s first game since April 18, but he said the injury occurred before then.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. “We took the proper steps to get me right, to make sure nothing significant is wrong with me … so hopefully we can just keep moving up from here.”
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Clippers are focused on rebuilding chemistry ahead of the playoffs, Youngmisuk adds. In addition to Leonard’s absence, starting center Serge Ibaka has missed the last 25 games with an injured back and Patrick Beverley has only played in two of the last 26 because of hand surgery and other injuries. That’s why Leonard traveled with the team on its most recent road trip, even though he didn’t expect to play.
“Just making sure the team sees my face,” he said. “Just wanted to still be in that motion, be in that rhythm and most importantly letting guys know I’m here and, you know, just let them hear my voice and see my face.”
There’s more from Los Angeles:
- The Clippers face the challenge of building a new narrative in the playoffs, contends Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. Until it has a breakthrough, the organization will be haunted by its past failures, including letting a 3-1 lead slip away in the second round last season.
- LeBron James‘ return on Friday happened earlier than even his Lakers teammates expected, according to Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register. James admitted feeling frustrated while being out of action for 41 days with a high-ankle sprain. “That’s the stressful side when you know that if you were on the floor, you could make those plays and you could help your teammates win, but you know you can’t physically be out there to do it,” he said. “It’s both sides of the coin, giving my teammates pointers and things I see on the floor, but also having that stressful point where you know you can’t affect the game because you know you can’t play.”
- In a separate story, Goon looks at the Lakers‘ situation at center, where there probably won’t be enough postseason minutes to satisfy Andre Drummond, Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell. Gasol has seen his playing time reduced since Drummond was added, but Goon notes that he could be useful if the Lakers need to spread the floor in a playoff series.
Do the Lakers fall in love with play in game?
More games more achievement
Lakers look awful, Davis has improved each game back and is starting to get back to his normal level. I love Dennis but he is a turnover machine at point and we got a few culprits in that regard, its the biggest weakness of this team. I am confident lakers are the favorites for the title still, but it will take a few games before they will find their groove. The most dangerous round could be the weird one off knock out round if this team falls out of playoff top 6,it will be early before they can find their top gear. If they get a round or two under their belt they will take it home.
Wouldnt be so bad if lakers go down early just so we can hear lebron apologists come up with excuses as to why he is still the goat.
LeBron haters already have two takes ready for the post season:
1) If Lakers loose – We told you he is toast! Getting old and often injured! Fakers need to rebuild and trade ad in the summer for Wiggins and two seconds while they still can!
2) If Lakers win – of course they won! LeBron and ad got two months rest before the playoffs, Murray got injured, this is Mickey mouse ring all over again!
Fakers still need to rebuild, LeBron is 89 years old, and trade ad in the summer for Wiggins, Paschal and two seconds while they still can!
If the Lakers wanted to rebuild they should trade their 36-year old star.
But since he is the one running the team it’s entirely his decision, isn’t it?
Hey Wally, Harden ran your team, how did that go? Trading CP3 and picks for Russ?) Forcing his way out for a bunch of low picks? I think LeBron ran a team better than that, better than most GMs like Danny Ainge
I don’t think the Lakers are the favorite this year in the west… Everyone seems to be sleeping on Utah. They have elite defense, good offense, and great chemistry. They’re solid or better at every position. They have good coaching.
And if Jamal Murray hadn’t gotten so hot last year, they might have faced LA in the wcf.
I still think that Denver is the team to beat out west. They have Jokic, who already proved he can be a force in the playoffs, MPJ looking awesome and defense is actually ok this year.
Clippers lose the Jazz. Without Spida, not looking good. Clippers are kind of banged up too. But no one talks about that. Seems this yr the healthiest team will go for it. Lakers were already worried about their center position. If they are not at full force for playoffs. They are done. Bron or no Bron. Teams win n lose.