How Kawhi Leonard Waiting to Sign Could Actually Eliminate the Lakers Chances

While I'm sure the Los Angeles Lakers will be in the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes until the very end, they would've loved the superstar free agent to make his decision today, which apparently isn't happening, if you trust Cris Carter.

The reason why? The NBA's moratorium on signs and trades will be lifted tomorrow, making that Anthony Davis deal with the New Orleans Pelicans official.

Since many are asking this, yes if Lakers execute AD trade before they spend on FAs they would lose some spending power. I’m sure Kawhi is aware of this, & I think LAL will do what they need to in order delay the deal until they have done their shopping, Kawhi or otherwise
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 5, 2019

Once the Davis deal becomes official, the Lakers will lose some money they can spend on their roster. Ideally, they'd love to get all their deals done, including Kawhi Leonard, before the AD deal becomes official, but it doesn't look like that will happen at this point.

With Kawhi continuing to keep these teams on their heels (Lakers, Clippers and Raptors), they can't spend money and add to their roster, which certainly hurts a Lakers' squad that lacks depth.

Again, Raptors are pretty well positioned to wait this out (only concern is losing Green). Lakers have to be feeling some pressure with the end of the moratorium (noon tmrw) nearing. Kawhi decision holds up AD trade, which holds up NO/ATL trade, etc. Ripple effect around the NBA.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 5, 2019

Toronto appears to be the favorite to land Kawhi right now, but it's hard to count the Lakers out. However, for the betterment of their team, they might need to ramp up their talks with other players and potential trade targets just in case Leonard signs elsewhere.