Kawhi Leonard’s decision in 2019 to spurn the Los Angeles Lakers for their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, had little to do with money. Instead, it came down to one person: LeBron James.
According to Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, Leonard “didn’t want to play with LeBron James, so the Lakers were a third wheel in the sweepstakes.”
At the time, Leonard was the NBA’s premier player, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to their first championship by defeating a Golden State Warriors team that had dominated James during his second stint in Cleveland.
The Raptors, Lakers and the Clippers were in a three-way race to sign Leonard.
Lakers’ Miss Becomes Blessing in Disguise
James joined the Lakers after winning one title in four Finals appearances with the Cavaliers from 2015-2018, seeking a co-star to end Los Angeles’ title drought. The Lakers pursued Leonard aggressively, but six years later, one league executive told Lakers Daily that missing out may have saved the team from years of headaches.
“The Lakers wanted Kawhi badly,” the executive said. “Boy, they dodged a massive bullet by not landing him. You think Rich [Paul] and LeBron are hard to deal with? Uncle Dennis (Dennis Robertson) is even worse. He thinks Kawhi is the second coming of Jesus.”
Instead of pairing with James, Leonard signed with the Clippers and recruited fellow Los Angeles native Paul George via the now infamous blockbuster sign-and-trade with Oklahoma City that landed the Thunder’s future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Clippers’ owner, Steve Ballmer, one of the wealthiest in the league, backed the deal.
Cap Circumvention Controversy
Now, Leonard and the Clippers are under NBA investigation over allegations that a $28 million endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt company Aspiration may have circumvented the salary cap. A whistleblower on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast claimed the payments were structured to skirt NBA rules.
The Clippers have denied any wrongdoing, stating they severed ties with Aspiration in 2023 after the company defaulted on obligations. “Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration,” the team said in a statement.
The NBA investigation could carry severe penalties, including fines, suspension of executives, loss of draft picks, and potentially voiding Leonard’s contract, according to The Athletic. Leonard himself could face fines of up to $350,000 and may have to return money tied to the deal unless he proves ignorance of any violation.
Leonard’s Lakers Alternative vs. Reality
At the time, Leonard’s uncle and top advisor, Dennis Robertson, made unusual demands, including partial team ownership, a private jet, and guaranteed off-court endorsement income, The Athletic reported. The Lakers ultimately turned their attention elsewhere, acquiring Anthony Davis later that summer.
While James and Davis delivered a championship in 2020, Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers has been marked by long injury layoffs and limited availability.
“The guy barely plays, doesn’t market the team he’s on, and now he’s in the news for the wrong reasons for the second time since signing with the Clippers,” the executive said.
For the Lakers, the near miss on Leonard in 2019 has aged like a stroke of fortune.
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