The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have a very high level of confidence they will land Kawhi Leonard once free agency starts on June 30, according to Bill Reiter of CBS Sports.
Leonard will meet with the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Purple and Gold will sell Leonard on a Big 3 consisting of him, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The franchise created a third max slot on Thursday after completing a trade with the Washington Wizards.
For what it's worth, hearing the Lakers have a very, very high level of confidence they will land Kawhi Leonard when NBA free agency begins Sunday.
â Bill Reiter (@sportsreiter) June 28, 2019
Leonard is from California. The two-time Finals MVP can make the most money in free agency by staying with the Toronto Raptors. Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2018-19 while shooting 49.6 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 85.4 percent from the free-throw line.
All season long, it was believed that the Los Angeles Clippers were the favorite to sign Leonard if he decided to leave the Raptors after just one season. After acquiring Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans, though, it appears the Lakers have made a strong impression on Leonard.
Since Kevin Durant tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the Finals, Leonard will be the most sought-after free agent this offseason. If the Lakers are able to land Kawhi, they will have to be the heavy favorite to win the 2020 NBA championship.