Making the Case for Kawhi to Sign With Each of the Lakers, Clippers and Raptors
By Scott Rogust
"Kawhi Watch" has become a slow, plodding, painstaking wait for NBA Fans. Leonard and his representation have stressed the importance of not leaking any information to the media, and it's driving fans and the media nuts.
The hot commodity in free agency has narrowed his choices down to the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers. Yet, "Board Man" is taking his time before ultimately making his decision.
So, we decided to help him out with the decision and make the case for each of the three finalists.
Why Kawhi Should Sign With the Lakers
The "sexy pick," so to speak, are the Lakers. The biggest benefit the Lakers has is they are located in Los Angeles, which is Leonard's home.
What we know:
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2019
1. The Lakers, as we've been saying for more than a week now, believe they are firmly in the lead largely through the recruiting efforts and assurances made on separate fronts from Magic Johnson and LeBron James ...
Oh, and then there's the caveat of playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to make up the next Big Three of the NBA. If Leonard wants a resume filled with numerous NBA Championships, the Lakers are the team that can accomplish that with relative ease...if he were to join them.
Why Kawhi Should Sign With the Clippers
One thing that everyone knows about Leonard is that he's a quiet individual that never shows his hand. While Lakers fans are hellbent on creating the next super team, does Kawhi want to play second fiddle to LeBron James, as well as deal with the drama that follows him?
We took a look at the LA Clippers: with or without Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/2DZ4jRlDI8
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 4, 2019
If Leonard isn't about that life, he can return home to play for the Clippers.
A young team mixed with veterans depth, led by head coach Doc Rivers. This exact team gave the Golden State Warriors fits in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Not to mention, there's enough talent on the roster to help Leonard deal with load management.
Why Kawhi Should Sign With the Raptors
And then, there are the Toronto Raptors, the team who acquired Leonard last offseason, and were rewarded with their first NBA Title.
The one advantage the Raptors have is they have the ability to sign Leonard to a five-year max contract, while the Lakers and Clippers can only offer four years.
Kawhi Leonard reportedly trusts the Raptors more than the Lakers or Clippers.https://t.co/GA4Gq3bpEw
— Yahoo Sports Canada (@YahooCASports) July 4, 2019
More importantly, Toronto provides stability. Leonard has familiarity and trust with his teammates, front office, and medical staff. Oh, and they were the innovators of his load management, which proved incredibly valuable down the stretch.
Kawhi Leonard has become a sports god in Toronto. The city bows at Leonard's feet for bringing them their first ever Larry O'Brien Trophy. Leonard can build on that legacy by staying in Toronto and help the Raptors defend said championship for years to come.