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Lakers’ Hesitancy to Pursue Kawhi Leaves Door Open for LA Clippers

By Garrett Chorpenning

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against Courtney Lee #5 of 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 Courtney Lee #5 of 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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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Los Angeles Lakers may wait until next summer to pursue Kawhi Leonard, leaving the door open for the Clippers.

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter last night to discuss the latest on Kawhi Leonard. During his update, Wojnarowski stated that the Los Angeles Lakers are “showing their hand” that they may wait until next summer to pursue Leonard in free agency. The quote begins around the 20 second mark:

If the Lakers remain hesitant, this could be the Clippers’ best chance to obtain the highly-coveted Leonard. And if not, the Clippers can still remain competitive for Leonard next summer as well. More on that later.

The Lakers

We already know the Lakers passed on DeMarcus Cousins, and we saw how that turned out. The Lakers also passed on trading for Paul George when they had the chance, according to George’s free agency special. Now, he’s signed a massive deal to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Clearly, their reluctance to make big moves, outside of signing LeBron James, is hurting them. Missing out on Leonard could very well be their next big mistake.

According to rumors, the Lakers have presented the San Antonio Spurs with rather lackluster offers in attempts to land Leonard. While the exact specifics of what they’re offering are unknown, one executive told The Ringer their proposed packages are “flat-out unacceptable”.

The Spurs are believed to want pieces that can help them remain competitive. And while the Lakers’ package is surely full of promising young players, the impact they’d have right now is trivial.

Based on Wojnarowski’s response, we know that the Lakers may wait until next summer to go after Leonard — which could also be problematic, not only because he may re-sign with whatever team he ends up on this season, but also because several other competitive teams will have max slots available — the Clippers being one of them.

The Clippers

The Clippers, arguably, can offer a better package to the Spurs that will keep them competitive now. One comprised of Tobias Harris/Danilo Gallinari, Avery Bradley, Patrick Beverley, as well as future draft considerations may not have the upside that the Lakers’ package does, but it will help the Spurs remain in the playoff race.

Executives are currently of the impression that Leonard may sit out another season if he isn’t traded to LA, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Michele Steele. The pressure is on, then, for the Spurs to get a move finalized.

If Leonard is traded to the Clippers in the coming days, Magic Johnson and the Lakers may find themselves missing out yet again. LA will likely have two max slots of their own open next summer. Leonard could easily follow in George’s footsteps in re-signing with the team that actually wants him.

The time is now for the LA Clippers. A player like Leonard is a generational talent, and the move could keep them on top in Los Angeles.

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