Kawhi won't have minutes limit vs. Lakers
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard has been used sparingly during the preseason, amassing just 33 minutes across a pair of appearances for his new club.
However, Leonard's playing time won't be limited during the team's opening game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Monday, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
The reigning Finals MVP already hinted that load management won't be as much of a factor this year.
Leonard appeared in 60 games last season for the Toronto Raptors and never played in back-to-back contests as the club eased the three-time All-Star back from a quad injury, which limited him to nine appearances during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 28-year-old averaged career highs in points (26.6) and rebounds (7.3) during the regular season and remained fresh throughout the playoffs to lead Toronto to its first-ever NBA title.
Los Angeles has yet to confirm whether it'll use a similar strategy with Leonard.