Kawhi Leonard exits Clippers game, and the arena, with thoracic spasms

The Los Angeles Clippers are holding their breath on Kawhi Leonard.

The six-time All-Star exited Tuesday's game with what the team called thoracic spasms, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Leonard did not play at all in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves and was seen walking away from the Clippers locker room in street clothes.

He was later reported to have left Crypto.com Arena entirely, because he was uncomfortable sitting.

Leonard finished the game with six points on 2-of-4 shooting, two rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes. His absence opened the door for one of the worst Clippers losses of the season, in which the team blew a 22-point lead on the way to a 118-100 defeat.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said after the game Leonard had been dealing with back issues the past couple days and tried to play, but realized he couldn't after the first quarter. Leonard's status is unclear for LA's back-to-back road games on Thursday and Friday.

While thoracic spasms aren't a huge worry compared to some of the reasons Leonard could have left the arena, any injury concern is elevated with Leonard. The two-time Finals MVP has dealt with injuries throughout his Clippers career and still has yet to play more than 60 games in a season for the team.

This was supposed to be the season the Clippers could see what they are with a healthy Leonard and Paul George. Leonard had finally recovered from his ACL surgery rehab and was well on pace to play his highest number of games since the 2016-17 season, helping lead Los Angeles to a 41-22 record entering Tuesday, good for fourth in the West.

The Clippers were already without Russell Westbrook due to a broken hand and can now only hope Leonard's issues are minor this time.