Kawhi Leonard Rumors: Lakers Think They Can Sign Star, Despite Raptors, Clippers Being Big Favorites

Do the Los Angeles Lakers have a real shot to sign Kawhi Leonard? There appears to be a different answer depending on who you ask.

Most reports have indicated its a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers were the heavy favorites to land Leonard during the regular season, but that changed when Leonard led the Raptors to their first-ever championship.

Toronto might now be the frontrunners to ink the 2019 NBA Finals MVP to a new contract.

The Lakers, however, seem to believe they belong in the conversation with the Raptors and Clippers.

According to The New York Times’ Marc Stein, the Lakers feel they are very much in the Kawhi Leonard Sweepstakes. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne echoed the same sentiment on the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast. Other reports have noted that the Lakers think they are being underestimated in their pursuit of the summer’s top free agent.

When Leonard asked to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs last year, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the superstar wanted to play for the Lakers. The No.1 NBA insider has since largely dismissed the Lakers as a possible destination for Leonard, though he noted Tuesday that Leonard’s camp has “kept their eyes on the Lakers.”

The idea of playing for the Lakers might be more appealing than it was a few weeks ago. By agreeing to trade for Anthony Davis, L.A. became a serious title contender. Put Davis, Leonard and LeBron James on the same team and you’ve got the overwhelming favorite to win the 2020 NBA Finals.

Maybe Leonard has no interest in completing a Lakers’ Big 3. He’s the clear top star for the reigning champions and would hold that same title with the Clippers.

Does Leonard really want to be a third banana on the Lakers right when many have started to recognize him as the best basketball player in the world?

It could be a question that the Lakers have to answer sooner rather than later.

Leonard might not make his decision at the start of free agency. There are rumors that he will meet with several different teams. In the days that Leonard is mulling his future, other free agents that won’t command max contracts and would be good fits with the Lakers might sign elsewhere.

The Lakers are confident that they can clear enough cap space to create a max salary slot if they get a verbal commitment from Leonard or another All-Star, according to The Athletic. Others are not so confident, since doing so would involve the New Orleans Pelicans agreeing to delay making the Davis trade official until July 30, as well as Davis waiving his $4 million trade bonus.

The Lakers are preparing for Leonard to sign with another team. They’ve got their eyes on other stars, in addition to D’Angelo Russell and a few roles players that would complement a roster that basically only consists of Davis, James and Kyle Kuzma.