Kawhi Leonard reshapes the NBA at Free Agency Saga in 2019, and new reports now make it clear why the Lakers never take it seriously.
According to Toronto star Bruce Arthur, Leonard Flat doesn’t want to work with Lebron James.
“The Raptors think that despite the lure of Leonard’s hometown of California, he does have a chance to return instead of going to the Clippers,” Arthur reported. “Leonard doesn’t want to play with Lebron James, so the Lakers are the third round of the raffle.”
Toronto is about to win his first NBA title and hopes the brilliance of the championship will convince Kawhi to stay.
But Arthur noted that the photo changed quickly once Jimmy Butler made his own decision.
“Preferred partner Jimmy Butler traveled to Miami,” Arthur added. “Leonard recognizes that Toronto is the best basketball situation.”
Even so, Leonard has a strong long-term connection with Los Angeles, and the Clippers position themselves as a franchise with full control.
Sure enough, Leonard was lured back there.
Meanwhile, Toronto has dealt with some unusual contract requirements.
The decision had a ripple effect throughout the league. Leonard then signed more than $200 million with the Clippers, but injuries and inconsistencies limited his playoff success.
Meanwhile, James continued to move forward in Los Angeles, and now the Lakers are built around Luka Doncic instead of Leonard.
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