Kawhi Leonard Rumors: Lakers' Trade Looking Unlikely, Los Angeles Unwilling To Deal Ingram, Kuzma

When it was first reported that Kawhi Leonard wanted to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, it was assumed by many that the two-time Defensive Player of the Year would start the 2018-2019 NBA season in L.A. While it’s still possible that the San Antonio Spurs could work out a deal with one of their rivals, it’s looking less and less likely that Leonard will get his wish.

More than a month has gone by and Leonard is still a member of the Spurs. San Antonio hasn’t come close to making a deal, and the Lakers don’t seem eager to match the asking price for the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.

Shortly after LeBron James agreed to sign with the Lakers, NBA salary cap expert Larry Coon reported on Spectrum SportsNet that the Spurs asked for most of Los Angeles’ valuable assets in exchange for Leonard. The exact price—Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, two first-round picks, and two draft pick swaps—is one that the Lakers probably wouldn’t come close to giving serious consideration.

It isn’t just that the Lakers don’t want to trade Ingram, who was the No.2 overall draft pick in 2016. The team might not even be willing to part with either of the late 2017 first-rounders that are on their roster.

If the Lakers won’t even part with Kuzma or Hart, you can almost be certain that they won’t trade for Leonard. The Spurs could probably get a better offer elsewhere, even from an Eastern Conference team that’s reluctant to mortgage their future for a player that could bolt in 2019 free agency.

According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Lakers—at least for now—are comfortable starting next season with their current roster. The promising core of young players had a 12-win improvement last year with a 35-47 record. L.A. wants to see how well the group does now that potential future All-Stars like Ingram and Lonzo Ball are a year older and will be playing alongside the league's best player.

Julius Randle left for the New Orleans Pelicans after leading the Lakers in scoring. Los Angeles signed Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo in free agency.

Last month, Magic Johnson promised Lakers’ fans that the team would bring a superstar to the franchise. After acquiring one of the greatest players in NBA history, the front office seems content to wait another year before adding another game-changing player. With stars like Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler eligible to become free agents next summer, Los Angeles is in a position to have another max salary slot available.

That could change, of course, if the season doesn’t start as the Lakers expect. Los Angeles isn’t considered a real threat to dethrone the Golden State Warriors, though they are among the favorites to be a top-four seed in the Western Conference.

James has reached the NBA Finals in eight straight seasons. His teams often make deals before the trade deadline in order to improve their odds of winning a title. He’s under contract for the next three years with a fourth-year player option.

James remains the best basketball player on the planet. With his 34th birthday approaching, his time as the league's top star could be limited.

Will the Lakers potentially sacrifice one of James' final prime years with an eye toward the future? That could be the case if they stand pat until next year.

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