Absent since game 3 of the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers) suffers from a tear in the meniscus

Kawhi Leonard, who has missed the Clippers’ last three games, is suffering from a torn meniscus, reports Wednesday The Athletic. The Californian franchise, which was eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs by Phoenix, had simply indicated that he suffered from a right knee injury but did not specify the nature. According to the American media citing sources within the Californian club, which has not confirmed the diagnosis, his duration of unavailability is not yet known.

His absence was all the more detrimental to LA as he averaged 35 points after the first two games of the series against the Suns, who ultimately won 4-1. Leonard had returned to the courts this season, after having missed the previous one due to a tear in a ligament in the same knee and had taken time to regain its best level. His newfound momentum was thus brutally stopped during these play-offs.

The 2019 Finals MVP, won with Toronto, has averaged 23.8 points (51.2% shooting) and 6.5 rebounds in the current season, but has missed 30 of 82 games due to injury and to spare his body. The 31-year-old must now decide whether or not to activate his $48.8 million option for next season, the last guaranteed by his contract.