Kawhi Leonard is largely seen as the single asset that could “clinch” a LeBron James departure to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Yet, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the two superstars have yet to exchange words this summer regarding a potential partnership.

via RealGM:

“As for Kawhi, I have been assured very strongly that LeBron has not communicated with Kawhi, not only during this process but for a very long time,” said Windhorst in The Land On Demand podcast. “He has really not spoken to him and expressed a desire to play with each other.”

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Leonard is very much an object of pursuit by the Los Angeles Lakers, now that Paul George has raised suspicions of potentially staying with Oklahoma City after a reported strong relationship with co-star Russell Westbrook.

The Klaw represents their insurance policy and the only other max-level star that could entice James to jump ship this summer.

With less than 24 hours left before the deadline to opt in or out of the last year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers are pulling on all horses to get a trade done with the San Antonio Spurs, despite being met with initial indifference and the organization's reputation as a tough negotiator.