Los Angeles Lakers: Final realistic predictions for the 2018 NBA Draft

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3. Kawhi Leonard trade discussions are had, but no deal is struck

We’ve all heard the rumors. The discussion isn’t going away anytime soon.

Kawhi Leonard wants to be in Los Angeles, and the Lakers are his preferred destination (via ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski). The question now is what do the San Antonio Spurs want for him if they are open to a trade?

Well, if they haven’t already, the Lakers are going to find out during the 2018 NBA Draft. I’m predicting that discussions will be had between Magic Johnson and R.C. Buford. During those discussions, terms of a potential trade will be bickered about. When the call has ended, no deal will have been struck.

That means, for the time being, Kawhi stays in San Antonio. Will it stay that way? Not necessarily. But it does mean the Spurs aren’t going to give in that easily.

For now, the Lakers have to play the waiting game if they truly are intent on prying Leonard away from the Spurs. Luckily for them, there’s still more than a week between the draft and the beginning of free agency, which is when the pressure will really pile on.

You better believe Johnson is doing everything in his power to turn the Lakers into a contender this offseason. However, if trading for Leonard is part of his master plan, that piece of the puzzle is going to have to remain absent for the time being. Don’t give up hope, though.

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