Lakers Relieved as Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers Saga Unfolds
The Los Angeles Lakers are reflecting on a pivotal moment from 2019 that could have drastically altered the landscape of the NBA. The opportunity to acquire superstar Kawhi Leonard seemed ripe for the taking after the Lakers secured Anthony Davis that summer. Leonard, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to an NBA championship, entered free agency as one of the most coveted players in the league.
The Near Miss with Leonard
With the Lakers poised to form a formidable trio alongside Davis and LeBron James, they were considered frontrunners to land Leonard. However, in a surprising twist, Leonard chose to take his talents across town, signing a three-year, $103 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. This decision was initially heralded as a transformative move for the Clippers, expected to elevate them to championship contention. Yet, the results have been far from expectations, with the franchise achieving only one appearance in the Western Conference Finals, while grappling with ongoing challenges.
Emerging Controversies in Clipperland
Recent developments have cast a shadow over Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers. A report from sportswriter Pablo Torre has surfaced, alleging that the Clippers may have funneled $28 million to Leonard for a “no-show” job, potentially as a means to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap. This controversial payment reportedly passed through a company owned by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, known as Aspiration. The ramifications of these claims remain uncertain, but they have sparked discussions throughout the league.
An NBA executive weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the Lakers are fortunate to have sidestepped this drama. “The Lakers wanted Kawhi badly,” the executive noted. “Boy, they dodged a massive bullet by not landing him. You think Rich [Paul] and LeBron are hard to deal with? Uncle Dennis (Dennis Robertson) is even worse. He thinks Kawhi is the second coming of Jesus.”
Negotiation Tensions and Lakers’ Fortitude
The negotiations surrounding Leonard’s free agency were fraught with complications. Reports indicate that Leonard’s uncle and business partner, Dennis Robertson, made dubious requests during talks with the Lakers. Jeanie Buss and the Lakers organization were reportedly unwilling to acquiesce to those demands, a decision that, at the time, felt like a significant setback.
Despite the sting of losing out on Leonard, the Lakers rebounded in spectacular fashion. Later that same season, they clinched their 17th championship title, further solidifying their legacy. Meanwhile, the Clippers continue their pursuit of their first NBA Finals appearance, a goal that has eluded them since their inception.
As the drama surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers continues to unfold, the Lakers can breathe a sigh of relief, reassured that their 2019 decision may have been the right move after all.
