Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Rumors > Kawhi Leonard Free Agency Rumors: Lakers Believe They Are ‘Firmly In The Lead’
Rumors

Kawhi Leonard Free Agency Rumors: Lakers Believe They Are ‘Firmly In The Lead’

Dan Duangdao
Published: 07/02/2019
3 Min Read
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Kawhi Leonard
Ron Turenne-NBAE via Getty Images
SHARE

Two days into the 2019 NBA free agency, all of the attention remains on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Lakers.

As Leonard is taking his time and rightfully so, all of the other All-Star players have quickly made their decisions.

Because of this, it is gradually becoming a Leonard or bust situation as role players are not waiting for him either.

It appears the Lakers believe they are ‘firmly in the lead’ to sign Leonard, according to Marc Stein of New York Times:

What we know:

1. The Lakers, as we've been saying for more than a week now, believe they are firmly in the lead largely through the recruiting efforts and assurances made on separate fronts from Magic Johnson and LeBron James …

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2019

However, the Lakers are attempting to say ‘as little as possible’ to avoid upsetting Leonard’s camp right now:

2. Officials from both the Lakers and Clippers appear to determined to say as little as possible — less than ever for a free agent of this prominence as @ryenarussillo likes to say — to avoid upsetting Kawhi's camp when they have insisted on total silence

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2019

Throughout the 2018-19 NBA season, it appeared to be a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. However, the narrative changed when the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis and maintained flexibility.

Since it has been extremely quiet so far, former president of basketball operations Magic Johnson revealed he did speak to Leonard and his camp about signing with the Lakers.

With the Clippers unable to team Leonard up with another All-Star player like Kevin Durant, it is understandable why the Lakers reportedly feel good about their chances now.

With Davis and LeBron James, Leonard would have the opportunity to compete for championships for the next 2-3 seasons at the very minimum. Although James is 34 years old, Davis is just entering the prime years of his career.

While the Raptors are in a position to defend their championship, Norman Powell and OG Anunoby are the only players signed after the 2019-20 NBA season.

As no one really knows what Leonard will do right now, there is still no denying his desire to play in Los Angeles.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Kawhi LeonardLos Angeles LakersToronto Raptors
ByDan Duangdao
Follow:
Dan Duangdao was the managing editor at Lakers Nation (2013-16, 2018-20). He is currently the founder at LA Sports Media, Lake Show, Raiders Nation, Rams Nation, Kings Nation, Galaxy Nation, and MMA Rumors. Born and raised in Southern California and a lifelong Los Angeles sports and mixed martial arts fan, his first NBA game was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors with Michael Jordan in attendance during the 1998-99 NBA season. He was previously a contributor at HOOPSWORLD (now Basketball Insiders) and an NBA editor at ClutchPoints. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @DanDuangdao.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?