Kawhi Leonard’s free company saga in 2019 reshaped the NBA, and now new reporting affords readability on why the Lakers had been by no means severely in play.
Leonard flat out didn’t need to group up with LeBron James, in keeping with Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star.
“The Raptors believed there was an actual likelihood he would return as a substitute of going to the Clippers regardless of the lure of Leonard’s residence state of California,” Arthur reported. “Leonard didn’t need to play with LeBron James, so the Lakers had been a 3rd wheel within the sweepstakes.”
Toronto was coming off its first NBA title and hoped the championship glow may persuade Kawhi to remain.
However, Arthur famous that the image shifted rapidly as soon as Jimmy Butler made his personal determination.
“Jimmy Butler, a most popular accomplice, was headed to Miami,” Arthur added. “And Leonard acknowledged that Toronto was the very best basketball scenario, all advised.”
Even so, Leonard’s long-standing ties to Los Angeles had been sturdy, and the Clippers positioned themselves because the franchise that may 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 a substitute of Leonard.
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