4 Reasons Kawhi Should Absolutely Leave Raptors for Lakers

The NBA is collectively waiting with bated breath for Kawhi Leonard to announce where he'll sign his next big contract. Only three suitors remain viable options right now, as Kawhi is expected to either head back home and join the Los Angeles Lakers or Los Angeles Clippers, or stay in Canada and re-sign with the Toronto Raptors. While Los Angeles and Toronto both make convincing points, these four key factors could convince Board Man to join the Lakers instead of the Raptors (and Clippers).

4. From a Business Perspective, LA > Toronto

While we think of Kawhi as a mute basketball automaton, he's become the face of the New Balance basketball campaign and is becoming an increasingly bigger part of their marketing. Off the court, Los Angeles could offer Kawhi more business opportunities, even if the Raptors can offer him more raw money in a contract. You can bet that is point is going to be hammered home in a Los Angeles free agency pitch.

3. His Legacy in Toronto is Secure

He came. He saw. He conquered. Before Leonard, the Raptors were known as perennial chokers who couldn't overcome their LeBron James mental block. In one year, Leonard helped the Raptors rip through the East and bring Canada their first NBA championship. On that alone, Kawhi is a hallowed figure in Canada. This isn't a LeBron leaving Cleveland for Miami or Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City scenario, as the 2019 title should be enough to sate Raptors fans and allow him to leave as the conquering hero.

2. He Won't Have To Be "The Man" Every Night

The Raptors were a weird watch last year. Half the time, they were a group that went seven or eight players deep, blending the talents of veterans like Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry well with young players like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. The other half, however, it felt like Kawhi was playing with a bunch of fans out of the stands, having to do everything on both ends. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in LA, that responsibility will be taken off of his plate.

1. He Would Be Guaranteed Another Title

If Leonard signed a four-year deal with Los Angeles, the Lakers would have a core composed of three of the top players in the game in LeBron, AD, and Kawhi for the next three years. Leonard would put them in salary cap hell and give them no bench, but those three on the same team would have to get at least one championship if given three tries.