Los Angeles Lakers: Big-name free agents to pair with LeBron James in 2019

Kawhi Leonard, SF – San Antonio Spurs

Surprise, surprise, right?

I am a huge proponent of the idea that the Lakers should wait until next offseason to sign Kawhi Leonard. I know everyone’s petrified of Los Angeles potentially missing like they did with Paul George this offseason, but it’s a risk worth taking.

Why? Because trading for Leonard isn’t worth gutting the roster. Unfortunately, that’s what it would take to pry him away from the San Antonio Spurs. According to NBA cap expert Larry Coon, the current ask is Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, two first-round picks and two swapped picks.

So, to summarize, a team with almost no leverage wants a king’s ransom for a player who’s already checked out. I’m sure they’re playing the “you’re desperate to contend” card, but I’m confident Magic is smart enough not to fall for it. Remain patient, see if the asking price falls, and wait for 2019 if need be.

If Leonard is really as adamant about playing for the Lakers as he seems, then I’m all for waiting. There have been rumors that the Los Angeles Clippers are now his top option (via Pro Basketball Talk), but I’m not buying it. The Lakers’ crosstown rivals don’t have the assets, and ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski is still convinced Leonard wants to wear purple and gold.

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Believe it or not, the Lakers can have their cake and eat it too. Wait and sign Leonard as a free agent in 2019, keeping all of your young assets in the process. Then, LeBron can truly chase that next title with Leonard, Ingram and Lonzo Ball at his side.