The LA Clippers rest Kawhi Leonard for the play-in tournament & more related news here

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard missed the LA Clippers’ regular-season finale Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors.

“He’s been dealing with some things the last few weeks with his wrist and ankle,” coach Tyronn Lue said before the Clippers’ 115-110 win, “so we thought it would be smart to get him as close to 100% as possible.”

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 seasons ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 due to injuries.

“Just being healthy, being able to play back-to-back games, being able to carry this team when we’re down,” Lue said. “I’m happy he’ll be able to get back on the court for a lot of games this year.”

Even though Leonard wasn’t on the court, Lue was glad to have him around the team in the Finals, as the Clippers ended a two-game losing streak.

“I mean, it’s great to just support the guys and talk to them, you know, if they make a mistake or what they can do better,” Lue said. “And just being committed, you know, having our best player as support, you know, is huge for these young men.”

Leonard’s absence in Game 82 does not affect his ability to compete for postseason honors, including All-NBA. He is among those in the newly formed club, which includes Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley, who became eligible for the awards on Friday, when Leonard played in his 65th game, which is the minimum to qualify.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors are the 10th seed for the play-in tournament and will face the Clippers again on Wednesday.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.