Kawhi Leonard’s free company saga in 2019 reshaped the NBA, and now new reporting affords readability on why the Lakers have been by no means critically in play.
Leonard flat out didn’t need to crew up with LeBron James, in accordance with Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star.
“The Raptors believed there was an actual likelihood he would return as an alternative of going to the Clippers regardless of the lure of Leonard’s house state of California,” Arthur reported. “Leonard didn’t need to play with LeBron James, so the Lakers have been a 3rd wheel within the sweepstakes.”
Toronto was coming off its first NBA title and hoped the championship glow would possibly persuade Kawhi to remain.
However, Arthur famous that the image shifted rapidly as soon as Jimmy Butler made his personal choice.
“Jimmy Butler, a most popular associate, was headed to Miami,” Arthur added. “And Leonard acknowledged that Toronto was the very best basketball scenario, all instructed.”
Even so, Leonard’s long-standing ties to Los Angeles have been sturdy, and the Clippers positioned themselves because the franchise that will give him full management.
And positive sufficient, Leonard was lured again there.
Toronto, in the meantime, had already handled some uncommon contract calls for.
The choice has had ripple results throughout the league. Leonard went on to signal for over $200 million with the Clippers, however accidents and inconsistency have restricted his postseason success.
In the meantime, James carried on in Los Angeles, and now the Lakers are constructed round Luka Doncic as an alternative of Leonard.
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