Lakers Rumors: Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard Not Expected To Consider Joining LeBron James This Summer

When the 2019 NBA offseason begins, you can be sure that the Los Angeles Lakers will target Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard with their max salary slot. As the summer gets closer, it's sounding more and more like the two best free agents are extremely unlikely to join LeBron James in L.A.

According to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, it’s “considered a given in NBA circles” that neither Durant nor Leonard will even consider signing with the Lakers.

The New York Knicks have been linked to Durant all season long. The Los Angeles Clippers are thought to be the favorites to sign Leonard.

Leonard could decide to stay with the Toronto Raptors. It’s largely assumed that this season will be Durant's last with the Golden State Warriors.

If Durant is hell-bent on going to the Big Apple but isn't interested in joining the Knicks, maybe he'll sign with the Brooklyn Nets. The Clippers could also be an option for Durant, depending on what happens with Leonard or if they are able to clear even more cap space.

Just don't expect the two best players of their generation to be on the same team in the 2019-2020 season.

“Not many of these wings or point guards are going to want to partner with LeBron,” an assistant general manager told Beck. “LeBron's best chance at getting another star with him is going to be Anthony Davis, Boogie Cousins, the bigs.”

The Lakers will continue their pursuit of Anthony Davis, whom they tried and failed to acquire before February’s trade deadline.

Assuming they miss out on Durant and Leonard, the Lakers probably will be players for Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler, who might be realistic targets for Los Angeles. Of course, Irving could stay with the Boston Celtics and Butler might re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks and Nets are possible destinations for both free agents, as well.

Kemba Walker could become a target for the Lakers in free agency. Klay Thompson would be on the Lakers’ list, but it’s hard to see him leaving the Warriors.

The decisions for Irving and Butler could largely hinge on what happens in the playoffs. James will be watching the postseason from home for the first time in 14 years, and he will do all that he can to make sure that doesn't happen again next season.

“I will be as active as I need to be for this franchise to get better,” James told Beck. “That's why I came here. I came here to win. And obviously, we need to get better, as far as our personnel. We have an opportunity to get better. And there's a lot of talent out there, and a lot of guys that can help our franchise. So I'll be as active as I need to be for us to get better and go from there."

The Knicks have enough room under the salary cap to sign two max free agents. The Clippers and Nets will have to do some maneuvering in order to open up a second slot.