Los Angeles Lakers: Things that must happen for a Kawhi Leonard trade
By Jason Reed
3. The Lakers need to be sure that LeBron James and/or Paul George will join the team this summer
The Los Angeles Lakers have the special ability to land the superstar trio of LeBron James, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard this summer. While it seems unlikely, many have been playing the situation out in their heads and realizing that it is indeed possible.
In fact, a little over a month ago we posted an article detailing how the Lakers could pull this insane trio off. I guess we were just a bit ahead of the curve.
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And as crazy as it must seem, the Los Angeles Lakers should only do this trade if the team is sure that either LeBron James or Paul George, or both, come to the Lakers this summer. While some fans may disagree with the “all or nothing” approach, it really is the only way that trading for Leonard now makes sense.
Right now, Leonard has one year left under contract. If the Lakers are unsure if George or James will come, they can simply wait for Leonard to be a free agent after the season.
If the Spurs trade him to a team he does not want to be on long-term then Leonard obviously is not going to sign an extension. Thus, instead of having to waste young talent, the Lakers can be patient as they were with George and wait it out.
Of course, if the team is going to go out and get George or James then the front office should obviously complete the process and get Leonard. Just Paul George won’t be enough to overcome the Golden State Warriors and just LeBron James probably won’t be enough right away, either.
And just Kawhi Leonard likely would not get past the Warriors, either, especially if the team is sacrificing so much without bringing in pieces around Leonard.
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Thus, if a Kawhi Leonard trade does happen, I would bet that either LeBron or George will also be heading to LA.