LeBron James Reportedly Selling Kawhi Leonard on Being His Heir Apparent in Los Angeles
By Sean Facey
LeBron James apparently has an interesting selling point to try and get Kawhi Leonard to sign with the Lakers in free agency.
LeBron is reportedly selling Leonard, who's shown interest in playing in Los Angeles, on being the heir apparent to this Lakers team.
Interesting stuff on Woj pod I’ve never heard:
— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) July 2, 2019
Part of LeBron/Lakers pitch to Kawhi is that it will be his team in 2 years. Why? Because LeBron wants to play with Bronny regardless of where that is and would leave to go play with him when he’s eligible. https://t.co/FU90bXSkAO
In short, James is offering to hand the reigns over to Leonard in two years so he can go play with his son, LeBron James Jr., wherever that may be once he enters the league.
It's an intriguing way to draw Leonard in to say the least. He'd have two years to play alongside James and Anthony Davis and contend for a title. Then, when LeBron leaves, he'll be the main star on one of the NBA's biggest stages.
It gives him the opportunity to both play on a superteam and be his own man.
UPDATE: The Lakers believe they’re in the lead to land Kawhi Leonard, via @TheSteinLine.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 2, 2019
Of course, it could also be viewed as LeBron selfishly trying to draw in another star to bolster his chances at improving his legacy with a couple more runs to the Finals only to abandon the team when he has the opportunity to play with his son.
Leonard will have a lot to weigh when he makes his free agency decision, especially if this part of the Lakers offer ends up being true.