Los Angeles Lakers: Superstar 2019 free agents team could spend big on

Kawhi Leonard, SF, Toronto Raptors

We’ve all heard the speculation. For some fans, the Lakers signing Kawhi Leonard is a foregone conclusion. Unfortunately, having that mindset is essentially living in a fantasy world.

As we saw this past offseason, nothing is guaranteed in the NBA. Everyone assumed Paul George would be wearing purple and gold during the 2018-19 season. Instead, he opted to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that gambled on a trade that very well could have netted them a one-year rental.

The same scenario could play out with Leonard. If he falls in love with Toronto, the team and the culture, he may decide to plant roots. The main point here is that, at this moment, there’s absolutely no way of knowing whether or not Kawhi is headed for Los Angeles.

Still, the potential is present for him to be a Laker in the not-too-distant future. He was allegedly interested in joining the Lake Show prior to his trip to the Great White North. Although a deal never materialized, that doesn’t mean Leonard isn’t still interested in returning to his old stomping grounds next offseason.

As with the rest of the guys on this list, it’s a waiting game. However, if there’s one guy Lakers fans will love talking about this season, it’s Leonard. That is, assuming he returns to form for the Raptors.