An NBA executive told Lakers Daily that the Los Angeles Lakers avoided major trouble by not landing Kawhi Leonard in free agency in 2019.
The Lakers had serious interest in the two-time Finals MVP, meeting with Leonard and discussing plans with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Leonard ultimately chose the Clippers, signing a three-year, $104 million deal while the team also acquired Paul George from Oklahoma City.
The move has not produced the championship results the Clippers hoped for, and Leonard is now facing a new NBA investigation linked to a $28 million contract with the bankrupt company Aspiration.
The contract allegedly paid Leonard without counting toward the salary cap, which could constitute a violation under NBA rules.
The league exec emphasized the potential complications the Lakers could have faced. “The Lakers dodged a massive bullet by not getting Kawhi. The guy barely plays, doesn’t market the team he’s on and now he’s in the news for the wrong reasons for the second time since signing with the Clippers,” the source said.
Leonard’s uncle and business partner, Dennis Robertson, reportedly requested improper benefits from teams during the 2019 free agency process, further complicating any potential deal.
A notable moment came in the 2020 playoffs when the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets in the second round, despite Leonard and George’s presence alongside coach Doc Rivers.
Leonard later signed a three-year, $149.5 million extension with Los Angeles in January 2024, solidifying his long-term commitment to the franchise amid ongoing off-court scrutiny.
