Despite the fact that the Lakers already have Anthony Davis and LeBron James together, there is speculation that the team will suffer next season if superstar Kawhi Leonard decides not to sign with LA.

The Lakers landed Davis last month, but since then, it appears that the team has not figured out a way to finally seal a deal for a third star regardless of all the efforts they have put in to leverage cap space.

And now, 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who has been linked to the Lakers for quite some time, is being widely viewed as the key for the Purple and Gold to get back into shape. That statement was elaborated by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst in a recent episode of the network’s First Take together with Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith.

Windhorst stated during a discussion that the Lakers could be a championship team if Kawhi will sign with the team. If not, the sports writer believes that LA will struggle during the regular season and will be in a “challenged position” to be a serious contender.

Now that there are a lot of free agents signing to teams every now and then, Windhorst states that there are less talented players in the market left to help the Lakers be a championship team.

“I think the overall majority of the players who could have helped them are now off the board,” Windhorst said.

Windhorst pointed out that the only chance for LA at this point is to sign Kawhi. However, the team still can be the team to beat if LeBron and AD will be able to deliver.

“i think they will be in a challenged position to be a serious contender next year unless you get a historically great season from Lebron and Anthony Davis which is possible but I can’t say for sure that’s gonna happen,” Windhorst added.

It was also noted that the Lakers’ lack of supporting cast will surely hinder them in the post season but the team can still be competitive and entertaining.

“I think theyre gonna be competitive, I think theyre gonna approach 50 wins, I think theyre gonna be fun to watch. If they don’t get kawhi, I don’t think there’s enough left in this market for them to build a team,” Windhorst pointed.

Prior to this, Bomani Jones said that the two-time Finals MVP “won’t be happy” to be LeBron’s sidekick in LA.

But despite that speculation, it seems that Kawhi still has strong desire to be in LA. According to SB Nation, the reigning Finals MVP is reportedly speaking with former Lakers president Magic Johnson to fish info about LA trying to trade for him.

Kawhi Leonard Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs down the floor in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. Rob Carr/Getty Images
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