Los Angeles Lakers: Early look at top 2019 NBA free agency targets

2. Kawhi Leonard, SF, Toronto Raptors (player option)

Right now, Kawhi Leonard is a complete mystery. Everyone seems to assume he’s open and eager to playing with the Lakers, but something tells me he’s far from a lock to even leave the Toronto Raptors.

Still, he belongs on this list.

Could you imagine a lineup that included James, Leonard and Brandon Ingram? That would make any opponent uncomfortable. The three are all elite or have the potential to be elite, and would make life miserable for any defender stuck trying to keep them from running up the score.

At this moment, though, anything could happen with Leonard. Maybe he decides to stay put up in Canada. Or maybe he decides to join the Lakers. How about he shocks the world and joins the Los Angeles Clippers, flipping Magic the bird as he signs his contract with the Lakers’ crosstown rivals? It seems as though there are endless possibilities when it comes to Kawhi’s future.

If the Lakers get an opportunity to make their pitch, though, they’ll roll out the red carpet for Leonard. He’d bring a championship pedigree, elite defense and another MVP candidate to a roster that featured starters like Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre only a few seasons ago.