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Los Angeles Lakers: Kawhi Leonard predicted to land with team

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) rests during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) rests during the Los Angeles Clippers 115-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center at the Staples Center on December 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to be the favorites to land Kawhi Leonard prior to the 2019-20 season getting underway.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a big splash in free agency this summer, signing LeBron James. However, they are nowhere near done.

With Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka leading the way, the Lakers are in a position to contend immediately and in the future. They have done an excellent job clearing cap space and providing salary cap flexibility.

James was the first step in that process. They had hoped to add another superstar to the roster this summer, but it wasn’t in the cards. In 2019, the Lakers will be at it again trying to land a game-changing player. The player at the top of that list, presumably, is Kawhi Leonard.

The Lakers tried to get Leonard this offseason from the San Antonio Spurs. The disgruntled forward wanted out of San Antonio and wanted to land with the Lakers. San Antonio would not grant that wish, sticking to their guns and keeping him out of the Western Conference.

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Leonard ended up being traded in a blockbuster deal to the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a 2019 first round draft pick that is top-20 protected. Along with Leonard, the Raptors acquired shooting guard, Danny Green.

It is a big risk for the Raptors as Leonard can become a free agent next summer. It is similar to the situation that the Lakers were in last year with Paul George.

George wanted the Lakers, but they were unable to trade for him. Instead, the Indiana Pacers traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder and he agreed to re-sign there this offseason.

The Lakers will hope that Leonard is not swayed by his time in Toronto and still wants to come to Los Angeles next offseason. That is the outcome that many experts are expecting to happen.

Over at ESPN, their Forecast panel made predictions for where some of the biggest impending free agents could land next summer. Leonard was one of the players discussed and the Lakers are overwhelming favorites according to the panel.

57.6 percent of the votes predicted that Leonard would land with the Lakers to start the 2019-20 season. In second place was the Raptors at 27.3 percent. Coming in third were the Los Angeles Clippers with 15.1 percent.

Based on the rumors that swirled this offseason, it should be no surprise that the Lakers are the favorites for Leonard next season.

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However, we have seen with the George situation that things can change between 10 months. The Raptors organization will do everything they can to sell Leonard on their future to get him to remain with the team long-term beyond the 2018-19 season.

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