The San Antonio Spurs' estranged superstar in Kawhi Leonard is mired in a dragging controversy regarding his relationship with the organization. The source of disconnect can be traced to the handling of his injury and the situation was not made easier by the presence of his representatives.
This has given birth to countless of hypothetical scenarios on what the Spurs should do with Leonard. There are those who are not losing hope on the two sides ironing things out, but plenty of others are also convinced that the NBA has seen Leonard play his last game in a Spurs uniform.
Among the things being thrown Leonard's way is his support, or lack thereof, to his teammates. The Spurs bravely fought against a juggernaut Golden State Warriors squad, witnessing vintage stretches from Manu Ginobili, although in spurts. However, throughout the playoffs, there was no glimpse of Leonard's shadow.
His absence from the court, even though he wasn't playing, could've been aesthetically better had he sat on the bench beside his teammates in the playoffs. Leonard's support was all that the Spurs needed during that time. But recently, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner was seen showing some support for his team in the playoffs, although not as a member of the Spurs, but as a fan of another team in the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It's been just over two weeks since the Spurs were eliminated. Kawhi Leonard wasn't able to attend a single playoff game.
Tonight, he caught a Dodgers game in LA. This will definitely be your Laker fan-friend's new favorite video.
(🎥courtesy @Mike_delaPena) pic.twitter.com/EimDhUCcdj
— The Ringer (@ringer) May 11, 2018
This is most probably innocent. With the Spurs no longer playing, it's not strange to see Leonard at his hometown. But given his situation, it's normal for this item to be picked up by the media.
In spite of the Spurs' defiance in the possibility of trading him, teams aren't sleeping on this one. Trade packages are being prepared. Among the teams considered as favorites to land Leonard, should the Spurs give in, are the Los Angeles Lakers.
Leonard's camp has made it known that he wants to be somewhere close to home. Between the Lakers and the L.A. Clippers, the team with more banners have the capability to muster a package for a trade and create more cap space to accommodate another superstar.
The Lakers, though, are aware that they can just wait for Leonard to become a free agent. They've made it known that they don't have to go all in to acquire superstars this offseason.
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