LeBron James’ relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers just got a lot more complicated after the team’s low-balling tactics and insistence on furnishing his staff cost them a chance at hiring former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue.
But even as the Lakers and Lue’s negotiations played out, James has apparently turned his attention to doing what he can to bring another elite player to the Lakers and give him a chance at salvaging the rest of his legendary career.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, appearing on ESPN Radio L.A. with Jorge Sedano, LeBron was in Philadelphia to meet with Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard during the their series against the 76ers.
Even before the potential deal with Lue fell apart, LeBron was on the recruiting trail trying to build bridges for a player that many have suggested has little interest in playing with him. Leonard has been the MVP of the postseason so far and has carried the Raptors to the brink of the Eastern Conference Finals, heading into tonight’s Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Adding Leonard to the Lakers would instantly get them back to contender status. But given all that’s happening with the Lakers right now, it’s fair to wonder if a working relationship with LeBron is enough for Leonard to overlook all the other things wrong with the Lakers franchise.
