Rumor: Kawhi Leonard Seriously Considering Los Angeles Lakers

Kawhi Leonard helped the Toronto Raptors defeat the Golden State Warriors, and he was the only star on the roster. The Raptors won their first title, and the team provided a new blueprint for NBA teams. In other words, you don’t have to sign a bunch of superstars to win the NBA Championship.

NBA free agency starts off at 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. Leonard is expected to make a decision between the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. That’s not all. The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t considered favorites, but things changed overnight.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that Leonard is giving huge thought to going somewhere else. Is he ready to form the greatest Big 3 in the entire NBA history?

Smith reported that the Lakers will have the cap space available, adding that he doesn’t believe that Leonard will join LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He made this statement on Thursday night. However, everything changed on Friday morning. Smith said he had received new information from his trusted sources that the Lakers are a serious contender for the Raptors star. He even added that the Clippers are nervous at the moment.

“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.

Kawhi Leonard was coached by Steve Fisher. Steve Fisher’s got a connection to Rob Pelinka. Rob Pelinka’s been working that angle.

LeBron and Kawhi have a very good relationship. They’ve been texting throughout the year. Obviously, Kawhi has worked out from time to time with Kobe. He grew up a Laker fan.

…. 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.”

If Leonard is serious about his max contract with the Lakers, the timing will trigger an avalanche of events.

The Lakers’ trade for Davis won’t happen until July 6^th, and other teams will start signing free agents on June 30^th. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will have a role in the process.