The fact that Kawhi Leonard appears to be settling in quite well with the Toronto Raptors thus far has not been a deterrent for many to think that he still has every intention to walk away from the team next summer.
While the Los Angeles Lakers are considered to be one of the front-runners to sign Leonard in the offseason once he enters free agency, a recent survey actually says otherwise, with the Los Angeles Clippers actually emerging in front of their crosstown rivals in the race to sign the two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps sheds some light on this matter:
A survey of several league executives this weekend had the Lakers trailing, even among Staples Center tenants, in the competition to get Leonard, with the LA Clippers universally being placed ahead of them. Rather than seeking to team up with James, the thinking is that Leonard would prefer to have control of his own team, which the Clippers would offer, while still giving him the ability to return to his native Southern California.
Leonard has established a reputation as being a lone wolf of sorts, so this actually does not come as a major shock. While the opportunity to team up with one of the greatest basketball players of all time might pose to be a very enticing proposition, it appears that Kawhi is the type who would rather pave his own path.
It is also worth noting that the Raptors also present the same set of circumstances for Leonard, and he has recently admitted he is open to the idea of re-signing with the team next summer. Given that, it would not be surprising if Kawhi Leonard actually decides to stay put and builds his legacy in Toronto.
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