Los Angeles Lakers: 5 dream targets during 2019 NBA free agency

2. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs (Player Option)

Of all the players on this list, I think Kawhi Leonard’s future is the most uncertain. After the Lakers attempted (and failed) to acquire him this past offseason, they watched him land with the Toronto Raptors, who figure to make a run at the Eastern Conference crown.

Once the 2018-19 campaign is over, though, it’s anyone’s guess what Leonard will decide to do. Will he stay with the Raptors? Maybe he’ll test the market and see who can make the best pitch? Right now, there’s a belief the Los Angeles Clippers are actually his top potential landing spot, as strange as that seems. At least that’s the mindset inside the Clippers organization, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:

"Every time I’m in the Clippers orbit all season long, they’re confident in terms of getting Kawhi Leonard. You feel it when you’re around them. They think they’re getting Kawhi."

Regardless of the Clippers’ interest or any other outside forces, it’s ultimately up to Leonard. And while there’s a growing belief he doesn’t want to play second fiddle to James, we can’t truly rule out the possibility of Kawhi wearing purple and gold in 2019-20. They’re located in the city he wants to play in, and will likely possess more title potential if/when another star comes to town.

Either way, the Lakers will be throwing the kitchen sink at Leonard this offseason as they attempt to solidify their status as contenders. We can’t tell the future, but it seems reasonable to assume Kawhi will at least have a conversation with Magic this offseason before inking a new deal.