Kawhi Leonard injury update: When will All-Star return for Clippers?

Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025.

Leonard has missed the first 31 games of the 2024-25 season, but recent comments from coach Tyronn Lue may indicate that the forward could be returning to the court soon.

Leonard did not start the season and was taking things “day-by-day” after undergoing a knee procedure during the offseason to address swelling.

Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 68 games last season. That was the most games he's played in a single season since the 2016-17 season when he was with the San Antonio Spurs.

The former two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year, $153 million deal in January to remain with the Clippers.

Here’s the latest on when Leonard may return for the Clippers.

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When will Kawhi Leonard play for the Clippers?

Leonard's "target date" is Jan. 4, The Athletics' Law Murray reported on Friday. The Clippers will host the Atlanta Hawks at the Intuit Dome that evening.

Earlier Friday, Leonard shared a video on social media, which also doubled as a commercial for New Balance, hinting at his return to the court.

In the post, Leonard tells another version of himself "There’s been good days, there’s been bad days. But I keep coming back. It’s the nature of the game.”

Leonard has not played since March 31, when the Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 130-118.

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Has Kawhi Leonard returned to practice?

Leonard was a full-contact participant during the Clippers’ practice on Dec. 18.

“I don’t think he’s lost a step at all,”  Clippers guard Jordan Miller told reporters Thursday. “Kawhi is Kawhi.”

Leonard will not be eligible for the MVP award after missing more than 17 games, which is the maximum number of games a player can miss and be award-eligible, per the CBA. The NBA introduced the rule to discourage teams from resting healthy players excessively via "load management."

While he may not be eligible for the top individual prize, he figures to be crucial in the Clippers' push for a playoff spot.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kawhi Leonard injury update: Is All-Star close to return for Clippers?