Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining the rumored dream lineup with Kawhi Leonard
Shooting Guard: Kawhi Leonard
Earlier in the offseason, there was relentless speculation about a potential trade that would bring Kawhi Leonard home to Los Angeles. After a couple of weeks of constant conversation, the idea seemed to fall by the wayside.
Now, however, the chatter is picking up exponentially. In the span of one day, it’s become a deafening roar that has taken over nearly every aspect of our daily sports news digestion. The buzz surrounding a potential Kawhi-Lakers union is at an all-time high, and it’s all thanks to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.
San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard has Los Angeles — preferably the Lakers — at the center of his preferences for a trade destination, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 15, 2018
It’s crazy to imagine, but it is possible. Leonard has the power to not only force his way out of San Antonio, but could also force his way back to L.A. If he makes his intentions clear, other interested parties may not be willing to part with the pieces needed to acquire Leonard from the Spurs.
So the Lakers make the deal, sending a package of Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Luol Deng and their 2019 first-round pick to San Antonio (after July 1) for the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. It’s a steep price to pay, but does it really matter if it means bringing a top-five talent to Los Angeles?
Seeing as he’s the shortest of the incoming trio of superstars, Leonard makes sense as the starting 2-guard. He’s an outstanding outside shooter, can lock down any of the league’s best shooters and slashers, and brings unmatched basketball IQ to the floor.
The first piece of the Lakers’ Big 3 is in place.