Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss several weeks due to swelling in his left knee, adding another setback to his injury-plagued career.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, an MRI revealed no structural damage to Leonard's knee, but the Raptors plan to give the veteran forward additional time to recover before returning to action.
Toronto will use the coming weeks to gradually increase Leonard's basketball workload after interruptions during the offseason affected his preparation for the new campaign.
Following the news, the two-time NBA took to X to address his latest injury and reassure Raptors fans that he's working toward a return.
"Yeah it's always frustrating missing time," Leonard wrote. "I came back to compete with this team and I'm focused on getting back to 100."
He also thanked Toronto fans for their continued support.
"Toronto, I've appreciated the love since I've been back. Returning soon."
Leonard closed his message with, "Godspeed. Whi."
The latest injury adds to Leonard's history of knee problems, which have affected his availability throughout his NBA career.
The two-time NBA champion previously suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in 2023. Those injuries have contributed to extended absences and ongoing concerns about his durability.
Despite his injury history, Leonard remains one of the league's most talented two-way players when healthy, capable of making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. His absence leaves Toronto without one of its key players as the team looks to build momentum early in the season.
Toronto has opened the 2026-27 season with a 2-1 record, while Leonard has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.5 steals and shooting 32.4 percent from the field through two appearances.
