- Russell Westbrook’s and Kyrie Irving’s playing statuses curiously change as trade rumors heat up
- Report: Lakers are trying to figure out whether Kyrie Irving’s trade request is legitimate or not
- Report: Lakers not willing to include Austin Reaves or Max Christie in potential Kyrie Irving deal
- Report: Lakers could include Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV in Kyrie Irving trade or separate deal entirely
- Report: Lakers would trade Russell Westbrook and 2 1st-round picks in potential deal for Kyrie Irving
- Report: Lakers could have interest in Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic
- Report: Kyrie Irving has maintained interest in Lakers as they emerge as potential suitors alongside Mavericks and Suns
- Report: Lakers no longer trying to preserve cap space for 2023 free agency
- Report: Lakers believe they’re 1 move away from being legitimate title contenders
- Report: Lakers have had exploratory trade talks involving Russell Westbrook with Jazz
Report: Kawhi Leonard Didn’t Want to Join Lakers and Add to LeBron’s Legacy
- Updated: December 24, 2019
The Los Angeles Lakers swung big in free agency and missed when Kawhi Leonard opted to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
According to one NBA general manager, Leonard likely chose to sign with the Clippers because he wanted to avoid adding to Lakers star LeBron James’ storied legacy.
“There probably hasn’t been enough credit given to how Kawhi orchestrated all that,” a GM told Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher. “Kawhi looked at joining LeBron on the Lakers and said, ‘I’d be helping him with his legacy more than mine. Oh, and by the way, Paul George and I fit the same timeline.’ I think some serious thought went into that.”
Leonard and James are without a doubt two of the most dominant figures in the NBA.
While James has built a reputation of creating superteams to win championships, Leonard has built one of destroying superteams.
Currently, James has three titles on his mantle. Leonard has two.
This season, both players are serious contenders to add another title to their resumes. Despite a current three-game losing streak, the Lakers hold the No. 1 seed in a loaded Western Conference with a record of 24-6.
The Clippers currently sit at the No. 4 seed with a record of 22-10.
The two teams will face one another on Christmas Day in what is sure to be an exciting affair. Unfortunately, James’ status for that game is currently up in the air due to a nagging injury.
Given how competitive he is, there is little doubt that if he is healthy enough to play, he will certainly suit up for that game.