Lakers re-engage Kawhi Leonard trade talk with Spurs, per report

The NBA offseason is about to kick into high gear, and one of the top targets in the league is front and center. The Los Angeles Lakers re-engaged with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday regarding star forward Kawhi Leonard, per a report from ESPN.

The sense of urgency in acquiring Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and two-time member of the All-NBA first team, appears to involve LeBron James, who could become a free agent himself in as early as two days. From the report from Ramona Shelburne, Adrian Wojnarowski, and Brian Windhorst:

The stakes on these talks are enormous, because a deal for Leonard would likely clinch a free agent commitment out of LeBron James. James has until late Friday night to opt-out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is watching closely how the Lakers proceed with the Leonard talks.

Leonard was limited to just nine games in the 2017-2018 season with a quad injury, and didn’t play after January 13. He made his displeasure with the Spurs known, and even a recent meeting with coach Gregg Popovich couldn’t soothe the rift between Leonard and the organization.

Still under contract for one more season, Leonard has also drawn reported interest from the Boston Celtics, Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers per ESPN. It remains to be seen if Leonard, who was born in Los Angeles and played high school ball in nearby Riverside, Calif., could force the Spurs’ hand if he only wants to play for the Lakers.

The Lakers have averaged 57 losses over the last five years, and have been planning for the promise of a bountiful summer in either 2018 or 2019. Team president Magic Johnson said Tuesday that he would step down if he couldn’t land top talent in this offseason or next.

The talks between the Lakers and Spurs on Wednesday rekindled rumors, a week after reports that Los Angeles felt after previous trade discussions that San Antonio “shut the door on us.”

Leonard averaged a career-best 25.5 points in 2016-17, his second consecutive All-NBA first team campaign, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. Leonard, who turns 27 on Saturday, is a two-time All-Star.

James’ decision on Friday involves either picking up his $35.6 million player option with the Cavaliers for the 2018-19 season or becoming a free agent.