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Lakers Rumors: Team the favorite to land Kawhi Leonard

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard, who may be the team’s newest target this offseason.

Many Los Angeles Lakers rumors pertaining to the offseason have revolved around their plans in free agency. The Lakers have not been shy about their intentions, as they plan to woo the likes of LeBron James, Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins.

However, recent Lakers rumors lead you to believe those plans may be changing slightly. Los Angeles still intends to land a superstar, but it may come via trade.

According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, the Lakers have their sights set on acquiring disgruntled San Antonio Spurs superstar, Kawhi Leonard.

While making an appearance on ESPN’s SportsNation, former Lakers head coach Byron Scott declared that Leonard and James would be heading to the Lakers.

That would be quite a haul for the Lakers. Deveney reports, via a front office executive, that they are in agreement with at least half of what Scott said.

"“I think they go in hard for Leonard once the season is over and once the dust settles in San Antonio,” one executive told Sporting News. “(Leonard) wants to go to LA. There probably won’t be public demands on that, but he has leverage. He is going to be a free agent (in 2019). He’s an LA guy and he can just let teams know he won’t re-sign next year with anyone but the Lakers.”"

This is quite a development in what has become, what seems like, a fraying relationship between Leonard and the Spurs. The two sides have been at a disagreement all season for Leonard’s rehab, which has led to some friction between the two sides.

Back in January, it was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Michael C. Wright that the treatments, rehab and timetable for return had a “chilling impact” on the Spurs organization. Hit most by that was the coaching staff.

Also in January, analyst Jalen Rose said that Leonard wants out of San Antonio on an appearance on ESPN’s First Take.

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There are some hurdles to overcome in making this come to fruition. For starters, the Spurs can make Leonard a very rich man. They could offer him the supermax worth $200 million. Given how things have gone this season, and the impending deals that will need to go to other players, there is a chance that doesn’t happen.

For the Lakers, they have to really consider if moving some of their young core is worthwhile. To acquire Leonard in a trade, you’d have to think San Antonio would ask for some package of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and the 25th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. If the front office believes they can land Leonard in free agency, why sacrifice so much young talent and future assets?

Therein lies the problem. The Lakers believed they had George in the bag at this time last year. He was since traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where a deep playoff run could convince him to stay as Russell Westbrook‘s running mate.

There are plenty of teams on the cusp of being title contenders that could replicate the move the Thunder made last year. Acquire Leonard despite having only one year left on his deal, giving them a full season to show him this is where he would want to be for the long haul.

Whatever the Lakers may decide to do, they have to know they, along with Leonard, are working from a positive of leverage. The Lakers are the favorites and Leonard wants Los Angeles.

"“I would say that’s the most likely thing,” another general manager told Sporting News. “He’s going to be their target any way you look at it, this summer or next summer. There’s not many other ways to explain what’s been going on with that situation other than him trying to get out of San Antonio.”"

This will be a difficult decision for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. Their young core has developed and shown signs of really taking off. Adding a veteran such as Leonard would really help them get to the next level. The question is, how much of that young core, if any, are they willing to give up to obtain him?

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This is something we will have to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Once the NBA Playoffs are over and the offseason truly begins, there will surely be more updates and rumors surrounding Leonard.

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