Chris O'Meara/Associated PressSources tell Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes that Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers' superstar forward, will not be returning to the floor during the Western Conference Finals.The Clippers' small forward, who is currently in Los Angeles rehabbing a sprained left knee, has not ruled out the possibility of playing in the NBA Finals. Haynes stated that Leonard representatives will meet with L.A. in order to discuss the next steps if the team advances past the Phoenix Suns.Phoenix leads the best of seven series 3-2 with Game 6 played at Staples Center Wednesday night.Leonard is undoubtedly the best two-way player of the NBA, when he's healthy. However, injuries have kept him from his best over the last few seasons.The two-time NBA Finals MVP scored 24.8 points, 6.5-7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.9 three-pointers per game in the Clips' 52 games. This was his second season with the team.In the hopes of keeping him healthy and fresh for the playoffs the team rests the 30-year old often. This worked initially as evidenced by his playoff averages (33.0 points, 7.7 rebound, and 4.4 assists).Leonard was unable to rest as he sustained a knee injury that cost him both the Clippers' second round series against Utah Jazz and five of the Western Conference Finals against Phoenix Suns.He was 6'7", and was on the All-NBA first and second teams.Paul George has been a star when Leonard was out of the playoffs. But L.A. has lost a second star every time Leonard is on the bench.Terance Mann and Reggie Jackson are two other players who have filled in for Leonard. However, the Clippers will still need to attract more players to succeed without Leonard.Head coach Tyronn Loue might call on Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris Sr., Luke Kennard, and Patrick Beverley.
