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Charania: With LeBron on Lakers, Kawhi may Favor Clippers

By Garrett Chorpenning

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Insider Shams Charania believes Kawhi Leonard may favor the LA Clippers now that LeBron James is a Laker.

Shams Charania, NBA Insider for Yahoo Sports, believes the LA Clippers may have a better shot at landing superstar free agent Kawhi Leonard now that LeBron James has joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

Charania appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd today and spoke about Leonard’s mindset. Knicks Nation on Twitter was the first to transcribe Charania’s comments, which are as follows (the quote begins around the 28-minute mark):

"“I dont think Kawhi is jumping for joy now that LeBron is a Laker. If anything, he’ll be more open to joining the Clippers.”"

This is extremely significant, as the general belief is that Leonard wants to play for the Lakers. However, the Clippers are an LA-based team, Leonard’s preferred destination.

The timing of Leonard’s arrival, if he does at all, is still unknown. We know that LA will attempt to pursue him next summer, assuming he’s available. They’ll likely have two max slots available going into the 2019-2020 NBA season. However, LA is still open to trading for Leonard this summer, and could still make something happen.

League executives believe Leonard may sit out next season as well if he doesn’t get to LA this summer, increasing the pressure on San Antonio’s front office to finalize a deal.

If Leonard does force a trade to the Clippers, LA will arguably have the league’s most adept defense. Patrick Beverley, Avery Bradley, and Leonard are all among the best defenders at their position in the NBA. More importantly, Leonard is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would round out a strong defensive bench unit, too.

It would be an extremely risky move in the long-term, but if the Clippers plan to stay relevant for the 2018-2019 NBA season, acquiring Leonard may remain a priority.

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