After facing setbacks in his recovery, Kawhi Leonard is set to return to the lineup sooner than anticipated. Head coach Tyronn Lue, along with his Los Angeles Clippers teammates, shared their thoughts on his imminent return.

But Clippers fans had their hope for a Christmas miracle renewed on Tuesday when Leonard was spotted participating in practice for the first time this season. Kawhi even did some

The six-time All-Star is not ready to play in games, but he makes his first appearance in team drills since last season as he works his way back from an offseason knee procedure that left him

As it stands in mid-December, the Clippers are 14-11, which is good enough for a half-game lead over the Nuggets for the No. 6 seed in the West. Holding down that spot is important, lest the team have to roll the dice in the Play-In Tournament at the end of the regular season to determine its playoff seed.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard "could return to game action within the next two weeks, barring any setbacks," according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returned to practice on Tuesday. He did not take contact, however, and will remain out of the lineup when the Clippers visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday, according to coach Tyronn Lue.