LOS ANGELES -- Kawhi Leonard's return will start with him coming off the bench for the LA Clippers in their opener Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Clippers coach Ty Lue said the decision to bring Leonard off the bench while on a minutes restriction was a collaborative decision between the star and the team's medical staff -- one that was primarily based on how Leonard is feeling.
Lue also said the decision was about how the Clippers want to spread out Leonard's limited minutes to start the season.
"Just want to have him for the end of the game, if we need him," Lue said before the game.