NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Reached Out To LeBron James To Play Together

Disgruntled San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard reportedly reached out to LeBron James amid talks of a move to the Los Angeles Lakers for the duo.

According to a source close to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, Leonard expressed his desire to play alongside James next season. The 2014 NBA Finals MVP pitched his defensive ability to the Akron native and explained how he would help alleviate the pressure off him.

It's a good pitch considering James notably carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in the postseason, but without any real help from his teammates, was unable to make the series a competitive one as the Golden State Warriors swept them in four games earlier this month.

Leonard made clear his intentions of wanting to be traded away from San Antonio earlier this month, with the Lakers being his preferred destination. While an initial approach from the Los Angeles franchise was rebuffed, the Spurs are now in talks with them as well as the Boston Celtics and other teams as it seems they have given up on trying to fix their relationship with Leonard and convincing him to sign a new long-term deal.

Where Leonard ends up could have huge implications on the future of the NBA. The Lakers want to sign him and the stakes are especially high with current talks as James makes his free agency decision on Friday. The 33-year-old does not look like he will exercise his player option to remain with Cleveland, making him the most coveted unrestricted free agent with the Lakers being the big favorites to land him.

A deal for Leonard would almost guarantee a commitment from James to arrive in Los Angeles as the Lakers intend on building a new super team with the duo as well as soon-to-be free agent Paul George.

But with the possibility of George staying on with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it is paramount that they acquire Leonard as James will not arrive without another superstar. It is understood that James also wants to make a decision on his next team swiftly next month.

It won't be that simple though, as the Lakers still need to offer a package to the Spurs that they find fair. With Leonard having one year remaining in his contract, the Spurs will demand a huge package to part with their star player.

The Celtics have the assets the San Antonio franchise most desire but it appears the Boston side aren't willing to trade their top assets without knowing the full extent of Leonard's injury problems that resulted in his fallout with the Spurs, as well as his future intentions as he could sign a one-year deal before leaving for the Lakers next year.

ESPN reported that the Lakers meanwhile, are willing to trade Brandon Ingram and a future first-round pick for Leonard, but the Spurs are likely to want more young prospects involved in the trade which could include the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and restricted free agent Julius Randle.