Kawhi Leonard has rejoined the Los Angeles Clippers after taking a brief leave of absence to support family members impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, reports Law Murray of The Athletic.
While Leonard would have been available for Saturday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, the game has been postponed, allowing him additional time to acclimate to the team. The Clippers will not return to action until at least Monday.
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Leonard departed with the support of Los Angeles coach Tyronn Lue to deal with his family and his house.
“You definitely have to take care of home. … Totally had my support 100 percent,” Lue said in his pregame availability. “Going back, checking on his family and kids, making sure they’re well. And he got back, and they’re doing OK, so just happy and thankful for that.”
Leonard, who purchased a $17 million mansion in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles in 2021, rejoined the Clippers after a brief leave of absence to support family members impacted by the recent wildfires that have devastated the region.
Tragically, fire officials reported that 9,000 structures in Pacific Palisades were destroyed by the wildfires.
Leonard, who missed the first 34 games of the season while recovering from a right knee injury, returned to action on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 12 points. He followed that performance with an eight-point outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.