Not Fun For Lakers Fans: Kawhi Leonard Rejected the Lakers Once – And Might Do It Again

The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to superstar pursuits. From Magic Johnson to Kobe Bryant to LeBron James, the franchise has always thrived on star power. Now, in the midst of one of the NBA’s most intriguing off-court investigations, the Lakers may find themselves in position to land another big name: Kawhi Leonard. However, there’s one glaring problem — Leonard may not want to play with LeBron James.

Amidst the ongoing NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, rumors have begun to swirl around the league about what could happen if Leonard’s contract is voided. The implications are massive, especially for the Lakers — the only other NBA team in Los Angeles and a historic landing spot for elite talent.

But even if the stars align and Leonard becomes available, a potential move to the Lakers is far from a slam dunk.

The NBA Investigation Could Blow the Door Wide Open

At the heart of this entire saga is the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers’ alleged misconduct in signing and paying Kawhi Leonard. Reports suggest that team owner Steve Ballmer might have circumvented salary cap rules through side deals and endorsements to lure Leonard to the Clippers.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, if Commissioner Adam Silver finds conclusive evidence of wrongdoing, voiding Leonard’s contract is not out of the question.

Such a ruling would make Leonard an unrestricted free agent — or at the very least, force the NBA and the Players Association to find a unique resolution. That opens the door for other teams to pursue him, and naturally, the Lakers would be one of the first in line.

Staying in Los Angeles Makes Sense — On Paper

If Kawhi Leonard’s preference has always been to remain close to home and his family in Southern California, then the Lakers are the only viable alternative to the Clippers in the region. They have the brand, the resources, and the championship pedigree.

But as insiders have pointed out, there’s a deeper issue with the Lakers that has nothing to do with geography — and everything to do with LeBron James.

Kawhi Leonard’s History with LeBron James

When Kawhi Leonard became a free agent in 2019 after leading the Toronto Raptors to an NBA Championship, he had multiple options on the table. According to Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, Leonard’s decision came down to Toronto, the Lakers, and the Clippers.

While staying with the Raptors may have been the best basketball decision, Leonard ultimately chose the Clippers. Arthur reported that the biggest deterrent for Leonard signing with the Lakers at the time was LeBron James.

“Leonard didn’t want to play with LeBron James, so the Lakers were a third wheel in the sweepstakes,” Arthur wrote.

That insight reveals a critical detail: Kawhi Leonard has historically avoided aligning himself with LeBron, possibly due to stylistic differences, personality conflicts, or his desire to be the centerpiece rather than a secondary option.

Has the Situation Changed in 2025?

Fast forward to the 2025-26 NBA season, and things look very different in Los Angeles. LeBron James is no longer the uncontested face of the Lakers. That role has begun to shift toward Luka Dončić, the Slovenian superstar who has quickly become the franchise’s focal point.

With JJ Redick stepping in as head coach and implementing a new system centered around Dončić, the dynamics both on and off the court have changed.

While LeBron James remains a key contributor, he no longer dominates every aspect of the organization’s identity. That could make the Lakers a more appealing destination for someone like Leonard, who previously may have bristled at the idea of playing in LeBron’s shadow.

Dončić Changes the Conversation

Leonard’s alleged reluctance to join forces with LeBron James may have been valid in 2019, but the presence of Luka Dončić adds an entirely new dimension. With Dončić as the on-court leader and offensive engine, the Lakers’ playing style is evolving into something that could actually complement Leonard’s game.

In contrast to James’ ball-dominant style, Dončić brings a more controlled, methodical pace. He’s also a willing passer, which could allow Leonard to operate in his sweet spots without being relegated to standing in the corner or watching from the wing.

The off-court presence of Dončić also means Leonard wouldn’t be forced into a media-heavy environment dominated by LeBron’s brand. That alone may make the Lakers more attractive than they were six years ago.

Will Kawhi Leonard Even Be Available?

Of course, this entire conversation hinges on one massive “if”: Will Kawhi Leonard’s contract with the Clippers actually be voided?

As of now, the NBA investigation is still ongoing, and no formal charges or sanctions have been announced. But if Commissioner Silver finds proof that the Clippers broke the rules, consequences could include fines, loss of draft picks, and yes — the voiding of Leonard’s contract.

That would trigger a historic free agency sweepstakes, especially considering that Leonard, despite being 34 years old, is still one of the league’s premier two-way players. If healthy, he remains a legitimate All-NBA talent capable of impacting both ends of the floor.

Does Kawhi Even Want to Leave?

There’s another layer of complexity to this story: Kawhi Leonard is not known for craving attention or chasing drama. He’s a low-key superstar who prefers to keep things private, and if he has strong ties with the Clippers organization and medical staff, he may not want to leave — even if the league forces the issue.

Moreover, Leonard’s past decision to leave Toronto — arguably the best “basketball fit” — indicates that comfort, control, and environment play bigger roles in his choices than system or roster fit alone.

So even if the Lakers present a solid basketball situation, Leonard’s personal preferences may still steer him elsewhere — or nowhere at all.

Never Say Never in the NBA

Despite all the roadblocks — LeBron James, team dynamics, past decisions — the NBA has proven time and again that the unexpected can and will happen. Stars change teams. Players evolve. Relationships mend.

If the Clippers do get sanctioned and Leonard becomes available, don’t rule out the Lakers just yet. A new coaching staff, a new system, and a new superstar in Luka Dončić may be enough to rewrite old narratives.

Final Thoughts: The Stars Must Align — Literally and Figuratively

The dream of seeing Kawhi Leonard in a Lakers uniform remains distant but not impossible. The franchise would love to land a third superstar, especially one who offers elite defense, postseason experience, and a proven championship pedigree.

But the obstacles are real. From LeBron James’ lingering presence to Leonard’s personal preferences and the uncertainty of the investigation, a lot would have to go right for this “coup” to happen.

Still, in a league where trades happen overnight and alliances shift faster than headlines, the Lakers can never be counted out — and Kawhi Leonard should never be counted down