Shocking Details of Kawhi Leonard's Knee Injury Revealed

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has a torn meniscus

Initially labeled a right knee sprain by the team, LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has reportedly suffered a torn meniscus. The news was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, and it comes the morning after LA was eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in round one.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Leonard averaged 35 points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2023

This is somewhat shocking news, as the Clippers revealed no indication of a torn meniscus in any of their injury reports or press conferences. Team president Lawrence Frank addressed the media ahead of Game 3, and did not give any details on Leonard's symptoms, which Frank admitted had worsened after Game 2.

The severity of Leonard's injury ultimately being a meniscus tear is also shocking for those who have listened to the national media coverage of the situation over the last week. With major analysts downplaying Leonard's injury, insinuating he could play through it, a narrative was formed that suggested a lack of severity. With the news on Wednesday morning, those takes now look even worse, as Leonard has a tear in his meniscus.

It is unclear when the Clippers knew the extent of Leonard's injury, but there is still no official word from the team. Lawrence Frank will address the media again on Thursday morning, and will likely go into more detail on Leonard's meniscus tear. Until then, the report from Charania is what's public.

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