Kawhi Leonard injury: Raptors star out at least one week
Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined for at least a week due to swelling in his left knee, disrupting his return to the Toronto Raptors. The team, currently 2-1, confirmed he will undergo treatment before a re-evaluation. In his absence, young player Ja’Kobe Walter has stepped up, showcasing potential during games ahead.
The Toronto Raptors will be without Kawhi Leonard for at least one week after the veteran forward developed swelling in his left knee, interrupting his return to the franchise just three games into the 2026-27 NBA season.
Toronto confirmed Tuesday that Leonard will undergo treatment and rehabilitation before being re-evaluated in one week. The 35-year-old was a late scratch ahead of Sunday’s 117-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving the Raptors to adjust their lineup shortly before tipoff.
The Kawhi Leonard injury comes after an encouraging start to his second stint in Toronto. Through two appearances, the two-time NBA Finals MVP has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 1.5 assists and 0.5 blocks per game.
According to the team, Leonard has not experienced pain in the affected knee. The swelling is believed to be related to wear and tear rather than a specific injury, although the club has not established a timetable for his return beyond next week’s evaluation.
Kawhi Leonard injury forces Toronto to adjust early in season
Leonard returned to the Raptors during the offseason following a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, rejoining the franchise he helped lead to its first NBA championship in 2019.
His return raised expectations for Toronto, but the early absence presents another challenge for a player with an extensive history of knee problems.
During his previous season with the Raptors, Leonard managed a left patellar issue while helping the team capture the championship. He continued dealing with left knee concerns after joining the Clippers and later suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the 2021 playoffs, missing the following season.
The current swelling has not been described as a recurrence of those previous injuries. Toronto’s immediate approach is to manage the inflammation and assess his recovery before determining when he can resume playing.
Leonard addressed the situation in a social media message Tuesday.
“I came back to compete with this team and I’m focused on getting back to 100,” he wrote. “Toronto, I’ve appreciated the love since I’ve been back. Returning soon.”
Head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the significance of losing Leonard but emphasized that the team has enough depth to remain competitive.
“When Kawhi is not playing, obviously, that’s missing a very important piece, but that opens up a lot of opportunities for other guys,” Rajakovic said following practice at OVO Athletic Centre.
The Raptors entered the week with a 2-1 record, making the upcoming stretch an early test of their ability to compete without one of their most experienced players.
Ja’Kobe Walter could see increased minutes
Leonard’s absence has already created an opportunity for Ja’Kobe Walter, who moved into Toronto’s starting lineup against Minnesota.
The 22-year-old responded with a team-high 22 points, including five three-pointers, despite the Raptors’ 23-point defeat. RJ Barrett added 20 points, while Scottie Barnes was held scoreless.
Walter’s performance demonstrated his potential to provide perimeter scoring, an area Toronto will need to address while Leonard is unavailable.
Rajakovic confirmed that Walter will receive additional playing time but stopped short of guaranteeing him a permanent starting role during Leonard’s absence.
The coach explained that Toronto could use different combinations depending on its opponents, including larger or smaller lineups based on defensive matchups and offensive needs.
Barnes praised Walter’s defensive effort and willingness to take open shots, while Barrett stressed the importance of the entire roster contributing during Leonard’s recovery.
The Raptors will also need to compensate for Leonard’s defensive presence. His average of 3.5 steals through two games reflects the impact he has made on that end of the floor, although the sample remains limited.
Raptors face four games during Leonard’s absence
Toronto’s upcoming schedule includes four games that could be affected by the Kawhi Leonard injury.
The Raptors will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday, with the second meeting counting toward the NBA Cup. They will then travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Sunday and the Clippers on Monday.
The road trip would have taken Leonard back to his hometown and provided an opportunity to face his former Clippers team. His availability for those games remains uncertain pending the club’s medical assessment.
Rajakovic believes the stretch can help Toronto develop greater cohesion and give younger players additional responsibilities.
For now, the Raptors’ priority is managing Leonard’s recovery without rushing his return. The team will reassess his condition next week, while Walter and the rest of the roster attempt to maintain Toronto’s positive start to the season.
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