The Kawhi Leonard saga is almost over with only two teams reportedly left vying for the 2019 Finals MVP’s services.
According to a recent report, the Los Angeles Clippers are out of the running while the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers are still battling it out for the right to sign the highly coveted free agent.
Kawhi Update: Raptors had strong meeting yesterday. Drake heavily involved. Talked of having Kawhi involved w/his OVO record label. Kawhi in deep soul searching. Wants Lakers but wants to make sure Big 3 will fit/work. Clippers out. It’s btwn Lakers & Raptors. Very close.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 4, 2019
Though he reportedly wants to be a Laker, Leonard’s concern about how he, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis can co-exist and share a basketball on the same team is a legitimate concern.
Many superteams of the past have had chemistry issues. He could easily point to Kobe Bryant’s 2012-13 Lakers team that had Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard on its roster. Despite the talent, they failed to get past the first round of the playoffs.
On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine a Lakers team with Leonard, James, and Davis not making a very deep postseason run. Still, team chemistry is a major concern that Leonard seemingly wants to have addressed, especially as the Lakers roster is yet to be fully filled out.
If this concern isn’t put to rest, Leonard may opt to return to the Raptors and help defend the championship he won with them instead.
Leonard has the basketball world in his hands with his every move, and every rumor about his future destination instantly becomes the focus of sports shows and social media alike.
It’s only a matter of time before he makes a final decision. When that time comes, there will surely be both celebration and sorrow no matter which team he chooses.
