Los Angeles Lakers: 5 max free agents that snubbed the team

Kawhi Leonard was only the latest player on a long list of free agents that turned down and did not sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. We take a look at five instances that this occurred to the organization.

It is not a secret that the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to sign high-profile players in the last few years. Despite their history and prestige, superstars rarely decide to consciously join Los Angeles, with LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal the only major additions via free agency in the last 21 years.

Of course, both were a huge acquisition that shifted the balance in the NBA, no complaints from Lakers Nation. But, through the years, stars and superstars refused, for whatever reason, to sign with a franchise which counts 16 championships on its resume.

Lakers fans spent many frustrating summers hoping that the top of free agents elected to wear the purple and gold to turn the tide of the team.

Instead, summer after summer, each and every free agent opted to sign with other teams, looking for different opportunities to get in contention and grow their brands.

But were they right? Did they make the right choice? Did they find the success they were hoping for or did they make a mistake turning their back to the Lakers’ offers?

Without further ado, let’s take a look at five major free agents that had a chance to sign with the Lakers but snubbed them in free agency only to sign somewhere else.