NBA: Tampering Allegations Against Kawhi Leonard's Uncle Shot Down

Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly one of the best acquisitions this NBA season. He is performing as advertised with the Los Angeles Clippers but such remains shrouded in controversy.

Tampering allegations on Leonard, and other players, have picked up this season, and the 28-year-old has not been spared from controversy. His uncle, Dennis Robertson, has been dragged into the allegations, allegedly asking for crazy things such as part ownership, a private plane, a house and off-court endorsement money, The Athletic reported. These were allegedly the same demands asked from the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams in pursuit of the two-time NBA champion.

According to Yahoo Sports, the NBA found no evidence that these demands were made. Rather, it seems to make more sense that it was the addition of Paul George that truly lured Leonard into the Clippers' fold.

Ironically, the whole Leonard issue crops up just in time for the Clippers to face the Lakers on Christmas Day. A look at Oddshark.com sees the Clippers as favorites to prevail over their cross-town rivals. A reason for this could be the fact that some Lakers stars are not 100-percent healthy.

In a report by CBS Sports, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are questionable against the Clips. James is reportedly dealing with a nagging groin injury while Davis is evaluating his knee. The Lakers are on a three-game losing skid and a fourth loss looms if both will not suit up for the purple and gold.

Regardless, the Lakers are on top of the heap in the Western Conference right now with a 24-6 record. The Clippers are 22-10 and a win over the Lakers could easily boost them up the standings. The two teams already met earlier this season with the Clips taking that one, 112-102. Leonard erupted for 32 points in that game. It should be noted that George was still unavailable at the time.

With George and Leonard suiting up, the odds are unsurprising against the Lakers. Frank Vogel could opt to sit out both stars and let his healthy players hold the fort. It may not be a popular idea but the Lakers need to rest their stars and preserve them for the postseason wars.