"Why isn't he getting a new knee like Lonzo Ball did?" - NBA fans furious over Kawhi Leonard indefinite absence 

Ahead of the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, Kawhi Leonard is reportedly set to be sidelined for an indefinite period of time. According to Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers star is dealing with inflammation in his right knee.

As a result, while the two-time NBA champ goes through his rehab routine in order to get the swelling down, he will remain on the sidelines.

The news comes ahead of the Clippers' final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings tonight, as well as the team's season opener on Oct. 23, where they will begin the 2024-25 season at the all-new Intuit Dome.

This past summer, Kawhi Leonard was selected for Team USA's 2024 Paris Olympic roster, however, he was then pulled, with Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank alleging that the decision was made by USA Basketball and not the Clippers.

Since then, there have been reports that Leonard may not be ready for the start of the regular season, however, the latest development raises serious questions about the season ahead for LA.

After signing the two-time champion to a three-year max extension this summer, the Clippers will have to start the season without their frontman. After the news broke, the NBA community was quick to weigh in:

"They moved into a 3 billion dollar stadium so that fans can get a world class viewing experience of terrance man and norman powell" - one joked.

"OKC the real winners since they get the Clippers draft pick this season" - another wrote.

Others suggested that it may be time for Kawhi Leonard to consider retirement:

"Maybe it’s time to hang it up bro" - one wrote.

"ITS TIME TO RETIRE KAWHI" - another added.

"just retire dawg" - one suggested.

"This has been something since last spring," - Shams Charania shares further details on Kawhi Leonard's lingering knee problems

Last season, Kawhi Leonard played in 68 regular season games, the most he's played in a single season since the 2016-17 season where he played a career-high 74 games for the San Antonio Spurs. Since parting ways with the franchise, Leonard hadn't played more than 60 games in a season.

Last year, however, that changed, with Leonard playing a career-high 34.3 minutes per game over 68 regular season games. Then, in the postseason, Leonard was able to suit up for just two games before being forced to the sidelines.

According to Shams Charania, who made an appearance on ESPN Thursday morning, the two-time Finals MVP has been dealing with inflammation in his knee since last spring, with the problem flaring up during training camp in anticipation of the 2024-25 season.

"The Clippers, Leonard, they're working together to make sure whenever he's back on the floor, he's going to be able to sustain and stay on the court and that they're doing their due diligence and not just bringing him back for the start of the season or rushing him back for a week.

"But for Kawhi Leonard, this has been something since last spring, really, where it's been a process. He just has not felt right. He's been dealing with swelling in that knee, continued swelling. That's something he's still had and developed over the course of this training camp."

As Charania went on to explain, it's unclear when Leonard will be back on the court, however, in the meantime, James Harden will have a chance to lead the team offensively in his absence.