The Los Angeles Lakers don't intend to jump through hoops to create enough cap space for a third max-level signing unless Kawhi Leonard is walking through that door.

While the Lakers are only considered an outside option for the recently-crowned NBA champion, he is currently the only player they view as worthy of shaking out the roster for, according to ESPN Insider Bobby Marks (via Showtime Forum).

“The only way they’re going to get a third team is if a player like Kawhi Leonard is going to come here. They’re not going to move those players just to create an extra 3-4 million in room.”

Los Angeles would have a daunting scenario to line up a potential team to trade their assets, as well as renouncing their rights to players in hopes to make just enough room to sign a star like Leonard.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
LeBron James calls out media who can’t sell NBA FinalsZachary Draves ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How LeBron James’ $52.6 million decision will shape Lakers title chances with Luka DoncicAnthony Irwin ·
Los Angeles Lakers center Alex Len (27) defends against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers rumors: Will LA pursue center they’ve ‘long been fans of’ in free agency?Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series.
LeBron James drops mic on Lakers’ bubble championship hatersJulian Ojeda ·
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·

Yet they may fall short of what other teams could offer.

The L.A. Clippers have the potential to sign two max-level players, with Leonard being the juiciest apple of their eye. The Toronto Raptors pose an even stronger case, able to pay him more, as well as just proving to him that they have championship potential after winning their first-ever NBA title this past season.

The Lakers are viewed as outsiders in this deal, and while there is a very slim possibility, it's likely a long shot, as that interest has yet to be reciprocated by the two-time Finals MVP.