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As the Race for Kawhi Leonard Heats Up, LA Clippers Fall Behind

By Garrett Chorpenning

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 100-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 100-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The race for Kawhi Leonard is beginning to heat up, however it appears that the LA Clippers are falling out of it.

Let’s face it — the Clippers never had the best odds at landing San Antonio Spurs Forward Kawhi Leonard. Their best shot would’ve been last Thursday, with a package containing both of their lottery picks on draft night.

That didn’t happen though, and now, the Clippers could be stuck. According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, the Los Angeles Lakers could offer what’s being hyped up as a “Godfather offer” in order to land Leonard. Amick goes on, stating that rival teams are wondering if they can still compete.

While Amick doesn’t state that the Clippers are one of the teams, it can be assumed based on prior evidence. As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers reportedly made an offer to the Spurs for Leonard. Other teams to do the same include the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers.

The issue facing LA is the lack of a competitive package. Take Boston, for example. Their best deal for Leonard could include numerous future picks and sophomore phenom Jaylen Brown. And according to Wojnarowski, Boston has exactly what San Antonio wants:

The Lakers, could still outdo Boston’s potential offer, although it would take the house. The rumored “Godfather offer” may include Brandon Ingram, as well as a future pick.

The Clippers can still offer future picks of their own, plus players like Tobias Harris, Lou Williams, and Danilo Gallinari. Unfortunately, that package just won’t be as attractive as one featuring younger, cheaper, talent.

Related Story: LA must be Future-Oriented in Potential DeAndre Trade

Because of the increased competition, it may be best for the Clippers to bow out of the race and focus elsewhere. Free Agency is fast approaching, and LA must build for the future.

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