The Raptors and Clippers appeared to be in a two-horse race for the services of free agent superstar Kawhi Leonard this summer, but according to multiple reports, there’s a chance we could see the reigning NBA Finals MVP team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form the most impressive Big 3 in NBA history with the Lakers.
It had been reported last year that Leonard, then a disgruntled Spur, was interested in playing for the Lakers, his hometown and childhood team, but Leonard to the Lakers didn’t become a realistic possibility until Los Angeles GM Rob Pelinka expanded the Anthony Davis trade this week to open up salary cap space.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith remarked on Thursday that he didn’t believe Leonard would join the Lakers – but reported Friday morning that according to new information he received, Leonard is “strongly considering” the Lakers.
“I got word the Los Angeles Lakers are to be taken seriously. They will be a team that’s strongly considered for Kawhi Leonard to arrive to.
This notion that the Lakers should be summarily dismissed is wrong. Kawhi Leonard is strongly considering the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, New Balance would prefer that he be in LA rather than Toronto.”
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Leonard will have meetings next week with the Clippers and Lakers, and will allow the Raptors to make the final pitch before he makes his decision.
Smith reported Friday that Leonard requested to meet with only Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and former team president Magic Johnson – but NBA rules will require Leonard to meet with each party separately. As Johnson is no longer officially a representative of the team, he cannot meet with free agents on behalf of the organization.
Johnson is still allowed to meet with Leonard privately, and has volunteered to do so, according to Ramona Shelburne.
