INGLEWOOD, Calif.

By BETH HARRISAP Sports Writer

Kawhi Leonard is sitting out the Los Angeles Clippers’ regular-season finale against the Golden State Warriors. Coach Tyronn Lue says Leonard has been dealing with wrist and ankle issues for weeks. Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points this season, playing 65 games this season, his second-most as a Clipper. He played 68 games two years ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 due to injuries. His absence doesn’t affect his eligibility for postseason honors, including All-NBA.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard is sitting out the Los Angeles Clippers' regular-season finale Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors.

“He’s been dealing with some things the last couple weeks with his wrist and with his ankle,” coach Tyronn Lue said before the game, “so we just thought it would be smart just to get him as close to 100% as we can get him.”

Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists during a mostly healthy season in which he played his second-most games as a Clipper. He played 68 games two years ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 because of injuries.

“Just being healthy, being able to play in back-to-backs, being able to carry this team when we're down,” Lue said. “Just happy for him to be able to get back on the floor for a lot of games this year.”

Leonard’s absence from Game 82 doesn't affect his ability to contend for postseason honors, including All-NBA. He’s among the just-made-it-in club, including Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley, who became awards eligible on Friday, when Leonard played in his 65th game, which is the minimum to qualify.

Steph Curry and the Warriors have already clinched the No. 10 seed for the play-in tournament, where they could face the Clippers again.

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