Los Angeles Lakers: Biggest storylines to watch after free agent frenzy

1. A potential trade for Kawhi Leonard (and what the Spurs’ asking price will be)

After the initial moves the Los Angeles Lakers have made there has been one overlapping trade that every fan is talking about: trading for Kawhi Leonard. Why else would LeBron James, who has appeared in eight straight Finals, join the tough Western Conference on a team that has not made the playoffs in five years?

Of course, there is off court factors that come into LeBron’s decision, but you still have to think there is a contention factor in play. If not, the Clippers could have easily also landed LeBron.

Kawhi Leonard has, in turn, taken over as the inevitable hometown superstar to join the Lakers after Paul George re-signed with the Thunder, destroying over a year of speculation that he would be a Laker.

However, the Spurs are reportedly asking for an insane asking price. San Antonio reportedly is asking for Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. Leonard is great but is worth nothing close to this package.

The Lakers have all the leverage in this situation. Leonard wants out of San Antonio and, according to Stephen A. Smith, is reportedly willing to sit out a year to sign with the Lakers next offseason.

The only leverage the Spurs have in trading one year of Leonard is the fact that the Lakers would then obtain his Bird Rights, which would allow the team to go over the max to extend him. Also, the Spurs could play into the Lakers’ fear of what happened with Paul George; not trading for him at the right time then losing out on him altogether.

Regardless, the Lakers are likely not going to bite on anything close to this trade package and instead will likely push something like Ingram, Ivica Zubac/Moritz Wagner and two or so draft picks.