Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining rumored “Godfather” offer for Kawhi Leonard
The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to have made a “Godfather” offer to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard. What could this too-good-to-resist trade package look like, if the rumors are to be believed?
It’s F5 season, folks. The NBA rumor mill has had to call in reinforcements to keep up with all of the chatter that’s been blowing up our phones in recent days. As is to be expected, the Los Angeles Lakers and their interest in Kawhi Leonard have been among the hottest topics.
Every few hours it seems, the story shifts one way or another. First, the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested in dealing with the Lakers and are set on sending him to the East if he is traded. Next, they’re open to trade talks, but are more interested in what the Boston Celtics have to offer. Next, the Lakers have made a “Godfather” offer. It’s been a hot mess, to say the least.
Whose godfather is being traded?
Now you may be asking, “What is a ‘Godfather’ offer?” Let me help you out.
In case you’re still confused, there’s a line in the legendary film, The Godfather, in which Marlon Brando says, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” In the context of the Lakers-Leonard situation, this is essentially a deal that’s too good to pass up.
That got me thinking: what would a “Godfather” offer even look like? We’ve heard rumblings of trade packages involving Brandon Ingram and the Lakers’ 2019 first round pick. However, I don’t see that really being considered a king’s ransom. More than likely, more assets would need to be involved to force Spurs general manager R.C. Buford’s hand.
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So instead of waiting for more rumors to emerge, I’m going to try to play sleuth and see if I can’t put this “Godfather” offer together on my own. And before you ask, Lonzo Ball wasn’t a consideration. ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski seemed to suggest the Spurs aren’t interested in the young guard. I wonder why that would be?
The hypothetical “Godfather” trade
Here’s my take on the blockbuster offer that could bring Kawhi back to Los Angeles:
The Lakers get Kawhi. Spurs get Brandon Ingram to be their new building block, Julius Randle to be the future of their currently geriatric frontcourt, Josh Hart to be an effective two-way player off the bench and the pick to provide additional future value.
Obviously Randle would need to agree to a sign-and-trade, which isn’t all that common. However, going to San Antonio wouldn’t be the worst move for him. He inks a deal for about $15 million annually, which seems about right considering the current power forward market.
Is it a lot to give up for Leonard? Perhaps. But realistically, the potential rewards are worth the risk.
Why this Godfather offer works
Kawhi is a huge upgrade over Ingram, so that’s reasonable. Randle was likely gone anyway, so it’s no skin off the Lakers’ backs. Losing Hart hurts, but that’s the price of acquiring a top-five NBA talent. If LeBron signs too, that 2019 pick won’t look nearly as valuable seeing as it’ll likely land in the 24-28 range. It seems steep, but it’s not a backbreaker for the Lakers.
And honestly, it’s about as good as it’s going to get for the Spurs. Why? Well they just don’t have much leverage at this moment. Sure, there’s the concern that Leonard gets dealt to a contender like the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers, loves his one season there, and decides to re-sign in 2019. It’s similar to what may happen with Paul George soon, so you never know.
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In reality, though, teams are going to be extremely wary of dealing for Leonard. The general feeling is he’s set on landing with the Lakers in 2019 free agency, even more so than George seemed to be a year ago. If that’s the case, other suitors will be hesitant to give up significant assets to acquire him. I’m sure other offers are on the table, but the risk will make opposing GMs nervous to pull the trigger.
If you ask me, I’d say Los Angeles shouldn’t give anything more than this. Even then, it may be overkill. The Spurs already have their backs against the wall. Magic Johnson offering this package for Leonard would essentially be throwing the Lakers’ Western Conference rivals a bone. Kawhi’s already checked out with his sights set on Hollywood — Magic has the upper-hand.
Whether or not acquiring Leonard will sway LeBron is still to be determined. For now, the focus should be on building a championship roster while retaining some of the young core. If the Lakers can make a deal for Kawhi while keeping Ball and Kyle Kuzma, I’d call it a massive win (though if it’s a Godfather offer, it’s entirely possible Kuzma is being included rather than Hart).
Then again, this is all speculation. For all we know, Leonard is traded to the Celtics, James joins the 76ers, George stays with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Lakers get squat. Would that really be that surprising, though, considering the franchise’s recent success (or lack thereof) in free agency?
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Temper expectations before reality stomps on your hopes and dreams like a schoolyard bully. That’s all I’m saying.