The Los Angeles Lakers remain in a holding pattern until Kawhi Leonard fields all his suitors. In some form of good news, they’ve been able to make contact with him. The LA Times’ Broderick Turner went in detail about the conversation that included Magic Johnson. (h/t SB Nation’s Silver Screen & Roll)
LeBron James was able to bring on his own trainer, his own medical people. (Kawhi) wants to know if he can do that as well. LeBron James brought on some people that weren’t with the Lakers, and he wants to know ‘can I bring with a couple of my guys?’ … And as far as I know, the Lakers would be willing to do that, because you do those things for superstar players.
Leonard also inquired about last summer’s rumor of the Lakers attempt to acquire him from the San Antonio Spurs.
There was one interesting question (Leonard) had for Magic: ‘Did you guys try to trade for me when I was in San Antonio?’ And the answer was ‘yes, but because it was Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs, and our history, they were asking for 2,000 draft picks — well, not 2,000 — like four draft picks, first-round draft picks, and we just couldn’t do that.’ And that was one of his questions.
With the Lakers admitting their admiration and being willing to honor Leonard’s training request, they feel good about their chances. It may take Leonard a little more time than fans will like. Thus far, teams have pulled targets like Patrick Beverley and D’Angelo Russell off the board.
