Don’t count out the Los Angeles Lakers in the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes just yet.
Last week it was reported that the Spurs had cut off any trade talks with the Lakers involving 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, but now a new report has surfaced saying the Lakers and Spurs have re-engaged in trade talks.
Just when you thought the Lakers were out of the running they come out of nowhere and get fully involved in the situation. Not only are they back in trade talks with the Spurs in hopes of landing Leonard, but they think that landing Leonard would open the door to them signing LeBron James. Here’s more on the situation, via ESPN.
“The Lakers are using the Paul George and Kyrie Irving trades as proportional models for a Leonard deal, but San Antonio understands that this trade, for intents and purposes, would mean Leonard and James coming to the Lakers, and will likely command a massive package of young players and draft picks for Leonard, a two-time first-team All-NBA and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
The Lakers are in no rush to sign the 25th overall pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, Michigan forward Mo Wagner, to his rookie scale deal, which would allow the Lakers to include his draft rights into a trade package, league sources said. Wagner couldn’t be traded for 30 days once he signs his rookie deal.
The Lakers are pursuing an additional first-round pick on the trade market too, offering to incur a salary dump of contracts to get a pick, league sources said.”
It will be very impressive if the Lakers manage to pull off a deal for Leonard, especially after the Spurs previously shut the door on them, and even more impressive if they land both Leonard and LeBron James.
(H/T ESPN)
