Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons they should not trade for Kawhi Leonard

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: (Editors Note: Image has been converted to black and white) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs catches a pass and dribbles the ball up the court against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during 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) /

– Coming off an injury

One of the things that should be concerning teams pursuing Leonard is his current injury status. Leonard missed nearly the entire season last year for the Spurs with a quad injury, and that has to be a cause for concern.

While Leonard was cleared by the Spurs’ staff, he didn’t feel right and was getting treatment away from the team. The injury situation surrounding Leonard was a very strange one and one that would have to be assessed before pulling off a blockbuster deal.

While Leonard very well could not have felt right, the possibility of him using the injury as an excuse not to play is also worrisome. The Spurs have been considered to be one of the best franchises in the NBA and Greg Popovich is one of the most-respected coaches in the NBA. If Leonard is truly as unhappy as it seems there, that also might raise some eyebrows.

The Spurs were still able to make the playoffs without Leonard, and while beating the Warriors in the first round would have been difficult, it would have been possible if Leonard suited up. While we don’t know the full extent of the rift and injury for Leonard in San Antonio, it should be a major cause for concern.

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