Kawhi Leonard Watch: What The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors Can Offer

It feels like we are in the Eleventh Hour of the Kawhi Leonard Sweepstakes. The collective basketball world is waiting on the free agent’s decision as he considers signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers or Toronto Raptors.

NBA insiders have tried to gather information regarding where Leonard might be leaning, though only one thing seems to be certain after the 2019 NBA Finals MVP met with all three suitors: nobody has a clue what Leonard is going to do.

There are pros and cons for each destination. Each team is willing to pay Leonard handsomely and give him the chance to compete for a title next year.

Here’s a look at a couple of things the Lakers, Clippers and Raptors can offer Leonard as they try to sign the lone star left in free agency:

Los Angeles Lakers

1) A chance to win several championships

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis already on the roster, the Lakers could easily become a dynasty by signing Leonard. James and Leonard are arguably the league’s two best players, while Davis inarguably ranks in the top 10. Los Angeles would become the odds-on favorite to win the 2020 NBA Finals, and it’s hard to imagine that core not competing for championships for the next few years.

2) Superstardom beyond basketball

If Leonard is concerned about his brand, the Lakers are his best bet. The Lakers are the NBA’s marquee franchise. Forbes ranked them as the world’s No.8 most valuable sports team a year ago—the Clippers ranked 41st and the Raptors didn’t crack the top 50. James left his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the Lakers in large part because of the off-court opportunities it would provide. There’s a reason New Balance reportedly wants Leonard wearing purple and gold.

Los Angeles Clippers

1) Leonard’s own team in L.A.

The Lakers are Los Angeles’ more popular team, by far, but the Clippers were once viewed as the heavy favorites to sign Leonard because they give him the chance to be an alpha dog while playing in L.A. Leonard has been eyeing a return to Southern California, and he wouldn’t have to worry about sharing touches with other stars or dealing with the drama that comes from playing in James’ shadow. There has been skepticism by some that Leonard—the man who vanquished two super-teams—would decide to form one of his own.

2) Roster flexibility

By adding a third max contract on the books, the Lakers’ roster would be set for the next few years. The team also has no trade assets left after acquiring Davis. The Clippers, on the other hand, have some of the most valuable assets in the league. They own future first-round draft picks that once belonged to the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet were two of the best rookies last season. The Clippers have the pieces to eventually trade for another star, or they can sign another max player with the cap space they’ll have next season.

Toronto Raptors

1) The most money and security

The two Los Angeles teams can offer Leonard a four-year max contract worth close to $142 million. A max offer from Toronto is worth close to $190 million over five years. Leonard proved that money isn’t his main motivation when he turned down a supermax contract from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, but the extra money might count for something because of his injury history. Leonard can even sign a two-year deal with the Raptors and be eligible for an estimated $250 million contract with Toronto in 2021.

2) Familiarity

L.A. is home for Leonard, but he hasn’t spent time with either organization. Toronto built a great level of trust with the two-time NBA Finals MVP over the last year, which is extremely important for a player that is concerned with having a long and healthy career. The Raptors worked with Leonard, allowing him to rest during the season and stay fresh for a historic playoff run. The Lakers’ front office has become notorious for it’s dysfunction, potentially giving Toronto the upper hand.