The last time we saw Kawhi Leonard he was playing some of the best basketball of his career.
We'll soon find out if the five-time All-Star can get back to that level.
In Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference Semifinals, Leonard suffered a partially torn ACL on a drive to the basket. There was some hope that he would play during the 2021-22 season, but he ended up missing all 82 games.
After playing in two of LA's four preseason games, has Leonard been cleared for the team's regular-season opener?
Here is the latest on Leonard's status for the Clippers' matchup with the Lakers.
MORE: Expert predictions for 2022-23 season, including MVP and best record
Is Kawhi Leonard playing vs. Lakers tonight?
Leonard is not on the injury report for the Clippers vs. Lakers, clearing the way for his return.
Leonard said ahead of the matchup that he was feeling good and had no flare-ups or setbacks. Even so, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that the Clippers are "considering the possibility" of bringing him off the bench to manage his minutes.
"I still feel good. Moving in the right direction. Really haven't been no flare ups or setbacks, so I feel good."
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 19, 2022
- Kawhi Leonard entering tomorrow's Clippers-Lakers matchup pic.twitter.com/uPh6137lPs
Leonard is entering his fourth season with the Clippers. He averaged 26.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game in his first two seasons with the franchise, and he missed the third with injury.
With Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers are among the favorites to win the title this season.
What channel is Clippers vs. Lakers on?
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 20
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Watch TNT | Sling TV
Clippers vs. Lakers will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Watch TNT or Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange for $35/month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $46/month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Clippers vs. Lakers start time
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 20
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Clippers vs. Lakers is scheduled to tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 20. The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Clippers schedule 2022-23
Here are LA's next five games following its matchup with the Lakers:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Oct. 22 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 23 | vs. Suns | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Oct. 25 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 27 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 30 | vs. Pelicans | 3 p.m. | — |
