Los Angeles Lakers: Three reasons to believe Kawhi Leonard is coming
By Jason Reed
3. The Los Angeles Lakers are far and away the best team of the likely three remaining
The three teams that are still likely in the running, unless Leonard completely shocks everyone, is the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. You could throw the New York Knicks in there as well but they have been run so poorly and missed out on Durant and Irving that it is doubtful.
Of those three teams, although the Lakers are the team with a six-year playoff drought, it is obvious who is suited up the best to be a true title contender.
Yes, the Toronto Raptors are the defending champions and did just win the NBA Title less than two weeks ago. However, they are not built for a lot of long-term success and the Eastern Conference has gotten better. 2019 was a year for the history books and will be near impossible to replicate.
The Los Angeles Clippers had the unique advantage of bringing in the pieces around Leonard as well as capitalize on some future assets in order to build a well-rounded roster. And while that still could happen, if Leonard wants to win now, the Clippers should no longer be the favorites.
They could add next summer but the free agent class is nowhere near as deep and there are no guarantees. There is the worry of Leonard going to the Clippers to avoid LeBron James‘ shadow but just adding Leonard won’t put the Clippers over what the Lakers currently have.
There really is not any superstars still left on the market and there aren’t very many “B+” options that could be the Kyle Lowry to Leonard in LA. Maybe someone like DeMarcus Cousins would work but that is still a massive maybe.
dark. Next. Danny Green should be the first bench target
If Leonard cares about winning, which might not be his main focus right now after winning it all and entering his first free agency chance, then the Los Angeles Lakers are an impossible opportunity to pass up.