NBA Free Agency Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Focused On ‘Home And L.A.,’ But Lakers ‘Distant Third At Best’
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

More than halfway into the season, Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors somewhat surprisingly are tied for the best record in the NBA.

While it has been a seamless process integrating Leonard, all of the attention has naturally remained on his upcoming free agency.

After only playing nine games in his final season with the San Antonio Spurs, the 27-year-old is showing why he is arguably the third-best player in the league right now behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Despite the individual and team success in Toronto, Leonard’s mindset has not really changed at this point and that doesn’t appear to bode well for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe of ESPN:

Woj: “They can’t change the geography, they can’t change the weather in Toronto. Those were always be things against them in this. Home and L.A. has been the focus for Kawhi Leonard through all of this.”

Lowe: “Kawhi, I think we all would agree that the Lakers certainly are not the favorite and probably are a distant third at best.”

Woj: “It’s the Clippers.”

As there will be conflicting reports leading up to Leonard’s decision come the start of free agency on July 1, his desire to play in his hometown has remained consistent. With the Clippers having two max contract slots, there have been reports of players not wanting to be James’ second star on the Lakers.

Regardless of what happens, the Lakers have given themselves multiple options. With James and the young core in place, they will have $38 million in salary cap space and can get creative in free agency or via trade.

There’s a belief Anthony Davis is the Lakers primary target, ahead of pending free agents Kevin Durant, Leonard and Klay Thompson.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: Team Stands To Make $12 Million From Spectrum SportsNet TV Contract By Playing 8 NBA Seeding Games

Among all the other things that the return of this NBA season means, at or around the top of the list as it always…

NBA Rumors: Knicks, Nets And Clippers On List Of Teams Jimmy Butler Would Sign Contract Extension With If Traded To

Jimmy Butler joined Kawhi Leonard as a disgruntled All-Star who sought a trade. Like Leonard with Gregg Popovich…

Lakers Coaching Rumors: Tyronn Lue, Monty Williams Considered Frontrunners After Parting Ways With Luke Walton

The Los Angeles Lakers organization was left in turmoil after president of basketball operations Magic Johnson recently announced…

NBA Trade Rumors: Spurs Have ‘Zero Interest’ In Lonzo Ball For Potential Kawhi Leonard Trade With Lakers

Following the report about Kawhi Leonard not wanting to return to the San Antonio Spurs for the 2018-19 NBA season…