Raptors' Kawhi Leonard will miss weeks with swelling in his left knee

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss weeks because of swelling in his left knee, ESPN reported Tuesday, and the team said he will be reevaluated in one week.

The Raptors' release said an MRI found no acute damage. Leonard will go through treatment and a rehab program, and both sides plan to use the break to build him back up after an offseason with long stoppages. Sportsnet's Michael Grange said the swelling was described as a response to wear and tear, and that Leonard will rest during the week of treatment before returning to on-court work.

Leonard, 35, was a late scratch Sunday with the swelling, his first missed game of the season. In his two games he is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals.

He addressed it on X. "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. Toronto, I've appreciated the love since I've been back. Returning soon."

This is his left knee. Leonard's past problems were with his right knee, which has had meniscus and ACL surgeries.

His offseason was unusual. He could not join the Raptors until the NBA finished its investigation into the Clippers' salary cap case, and he then signed a two-year, $115 million extension after the trade sent him back to the team he led to the 2019 title.

TSN's Josh Lewenberg said Leonard will miss at least the next four games: two at home against Orlando, then road games against the Lakers and Clippers. Scottie Barnes said the group has to "hold it down for my boy (until) he comes back."

What to watch: Toronto hosts Orlando on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The one-week reevaluation lands next week, and that update should say whether Leonard is back to on-court work.