NBA Free Agency Rumors: Lakers, Clippers Each Have ‘Real Chance’ To Sign Kawhi Leonard In 2019
Kawhi Leonard
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

While the Los Angeles Lakers and other teams were preparing to pursue the likes of LeBron James and Paul George in free agency, some were also connected to Kawhi Leonard and his desire to be traded by the San Antonio Spurs.

SHOP NOW: CHECK OUT THE LATEST MERCH ????????????

Leonard’s request stemmed from a fractured relationship with the organization over a quad injury that limited him to just nine games this past season. Leonard was cleared for a return but didn’t feel comfortable doing so and took his recovery away from the team.

In addition to seeking a trade, it was believed Leonard’s desire was to be sent to Los Angeles, with a preference on joining the Lakers. Weeks of speculation gave way to the Spurs trading Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a package centered around DeMar DeRozan.

With the 27-year-old entering the final year of his contract and possibly only being a rental for the Raptors, there’s a belief Leonard will ultimately make his way to Southern California.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers and Clippers are essentially in equal standing when it comes to their odds to sign Leonard as a 2019 free agent:

“I think L.A. for him, Lakers or Clippers both have a real chance at him. I think both are going to be able to make different cases.”

A previous report suggested there was an equal level of confidence for James and the Lakers, and the Clippers, that they had the inside track to sign the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.

For the Lakers, the situation is similar to what unfolded with Paul George over the past year. They decided against trading for him because of confidence he would sign as a free agent. That of course backfired in the long run as he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and re-signed.

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

You May Also Like

Lakers Trade Rumors: Draft Picks, Expiring Contracts Desired In Trade For Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. Or Julius Randle

With the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers have been popping up all over the rumor…

NBA Rumors: General Mangers Concerned With Growing Number Of COVID-19 Cases In Florida

The NBA has spared no expense in establishing health and safety protocols for the 2019-20 season restart on the…

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Using Paul George, Kyrie Irving Trades As Basis To Build Offer For Kawhi Leonard

For all the anticipation of the Los Angeles Lakers making a splash in free agency, they’ve also been a mainstay in…

Lakers Free Agent Rumors: Spurs Considered Dark Horse To Poach Austin Reaves

Free agency tends to lead to many difficult situations for teams. Especially teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who have just four…