http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23924558/pressure-mounting-los-angeles-lakers-acquire-kawhi-leonardSorry guys, I'm at a hospital right now in the break room with my phone, so it's difficult for me to just copy and paste the entire article content on here. Link is above!
Basically, there's pressure on the Lakers to make a Kawhi trade, since it's likely Lebron makes a decision early next week (around July 3-4). Lebron likely isn't going to LAL IF they don't have an established star. That makes some sense.
According to Woj though, the Lakers are hoping to make a separate trade to acquire an additional 1st round pick to use in a package for a Kawhi trade (also taking back a bad contract if needed), which would then leave 1 max slot open for a FA signing.
That part is interesting. So do the Lakers not think they can acquire all of Kawhi, Lebron and George? Just Kawhi + ONE of Lebron/George?
Also, apparently the Sixers, Clippers, Cavaliers.... and Celtics have made offers and put them out there for the Spurs.
I'm surprised. I understand the process of due diligence and showing interest, but putting a legit offer out there?? The guy is a rental who will likely just bolt to LAL next year. We'd be the laughingstock of the league if we traded Brown and/or Rozier in a deal for Kawhi and then a year later he just signs with the Lakers for "free" (just $$$). We aren't on Kawhi's "list" either (while NYK, LAC and LAL are). Walk away Danny!! Anyways, I hope the Spurs keep Kawhi past July 4th at least and in the process, screw the Lakers LOL. I mean, Clippers/Sixers/Knicks will still show great interest later on in the month and probably could offer good packages too. That said, I think even if George goes LAL, Lebron may not follow still. He might just stay put another year or go elsewhere.