Kahwi Leonard is arguably the biggest piece of the Los Angeles Clippers' roster makeup, but he's been a notably absent presence on the 4-10 team for some time now. 

Injuries have been nothing new for Leonard, unfortunately. Since Los Angeles signed Leonard to be their new superstar ahead of the 2019-20 season, fresh off an NBA championship for Leonard, he's played in over 60 games just once in his career and even missed the entire 2021-22 season with a partial ACL tear.

Leonard's injury struggles have become a difficult commonality for the Clippers and their fans to contend with, and this season has been no different. He hasn't played since Nov. 3 due to foot and ankle sprains, and the Clippers have gone just 1-7 in his absence, propelling them toward the bottom of the Western Conference.

The Clippers are likely desperate for good news regarding Leonard's injury status and while he may not be stepping onto the court for a game anytime soon, there has been a somewhat positive update.

Kawhi Leonard Making Progress

Law Miller of The Athletic recently shared updates from the Clippers on their injury status, sharing that Leonard is "stepping on the court and progressing. Not certain to return during the trip. Nearing return."

The Clippers are in the middle of a seven-game road trip, with four games left to go, so it may be wise not to push for Leonard's return while the team is traveling and playing in unfamiliar territory. 

There's no certain timeline for his comeback based on Miller's report, but any kind of progress for Leonard is a welcome sign.

Before he went down with an injury, he was averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while also 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.

The Clippers Without Kawhi

The Clippers are strapped for starting talent at the moment, especially with the news that recent acquisition Bradley Beal will be out for the season with a hip fracture, and any support they can provide to James Harden and Ivica Zubac will be needed if Los Angeles hopes to turn their season around.

When healthy, Los Angeles has a surplus of talent. At the same time, injuries have robbed them of countless opportunities, and with Leonard and Harden reaching the twilight of their careers at age 34 and 36, respectively, the clock is ticking on the Los Angeles core that once seemed so promising to capitalize on their talent and bring home the Clippers' first-ever championship.