Lakers Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Possibly Joining Anthony Davis, LeBron James Is Getting Lots Of Buzz

There has been plenty of debate regarding the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of signing Kawhi Leonard this summer. What once looked like a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers appears to be wide open with the Lakers having a real shot at landing the NBA’s most unpredictable superstar.

On Thursday, the Lakers traded three players and Anthony Davis waived his trade bonus, giving the team enough salary cap space to sign a free agent to a max contract. It’s been since reported that Leonard will grant the Lakers a meeting shortly after free agency officially begins Sunday night.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Friday morning that Leonard is seriously considering joining the Lakers. Perhaps that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise since Damon Jones said on “Get Up” two weeks ago that the Lakers would be a strong possibility for Leonard if the team could open up a max salary slot.

Smith noted that Leonard and Lebron James have been texting throughout the year. He added that New Balance, with whom Leonard has a shoe contract, prefers Leonard to be in Los Angeles over Toronto.

The Lakers have reportedly seen themselves as real contenders to sign Leonard for several months, even as NBA insiders have viewed them as long shots to sign the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

When Leonard asked to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs last year, he wanted to be dealt to Los Angeles. It was thought during the season that he would rather play for the Clippers than the Lakers, though that might no longer be the case.

After leading the Raptors to their first-ever championship, Leonard’s best chance to win another title might be to join the Lakers. A Big 3 of Leonard, James and Davis would be unlike any trio the NBA has ever seen.

The Lakers have already been pegged as the betting favorites to win the 2020 NBA Finals, even with a mostly barren roster. Kyle Kuzma is also under contract with L.A.

Leonard is expected to meet with the Lakers, Clippers, Raptors and New York Knicks next week.