Lakers may be lining up a powerhouse
Let’s assume the reports are correct, that Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio and that his dream scenario has him being traded to the Lakers.
Now take it a step further and add LeBron James and Paul George to the Lakers’ mix — a scenario that can become reality with the proper maneuvering from the L.A. front office.
And before we continue, isn’t this a refreshing bit of NBA drama after the Warriors dismantled Cleveland in the Finals? Summer’s here, the rumors are flyin’, and it’s going to be wild.
Leonard’s future with the Spurs was bafflingly mysterious all season, as neither he nor coach Gregg Popovich offered any insight about an All-Star forward who missed 73 regular-season games and then the first-round playoff loss to the Warriors, with a quad injury. Leonard granted no substantive interviews to the media, and Popovich offered only a terse “ask his group,” referring to Leonard’s agents and handlers.
Maybe that silence was telling. Two of the most reliable NBA insiders, ESPN’s Chris Haynes and Adrian Wojnarowski, combined to produce a blockbuster Friday story revealing Leonard’s disenchantment. It sounds as if he felt an irreparable disconnect with the Spurs once they questioned his desire to get a second opinion — separate from the team’s medical staff — on the injury.
Leonard also had his detractors among teammates, some of whom reportedly felt he could have returned to play at some point late in the season. Veteran guard Tony Parker, who had surgery for a ruptured quadriceps tendon in May of 2017 and returned to the court in November — two months ahead of schedule — called his own injury “a hundred times worse.” That prompted retired NBA player (and ex-Spur) Stephen Jackson to tell Fox Sports 1, “When your teammates are going against you in the media like that, why would you want to stay? I wouldn’t be surprised if Kawhi wants out.”
It all sounds awkwardly disjointed for a franchise known for its stability. Perhaps Leonard and Popovich team up to discount the report and announce their plans for Leonard to sign the five-year, $219 million contract extension for which he is eligible. Just now, that doesn’t seem likely. The ESPN story indicated that Leonard is more interested in his lifestyle (he’s from the L.A. area) than a maximum salary.
Don’t rule out the Celtics if Leonard gets traded. They had a deal on the table in February and are loaded with assets, given their multiple No. 1 draft picks in the future and an overload of backcourt talent including Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart.
According to those familiar with the NBA’s complicated salary structure, the Lakers would have to work out a deal for Leonard before negotiating with James and/or George on the free-agent market, which opens July 1. The reported cost would be high: either Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram (each a former first-round draft pick) along with Luol Deng, whose oppressive contract would finally be off the Lakers’ books, and Kyle Kuzma, coming off a terrific rookie year.
The Lakers would also have to renounce a number of less talented free agents, amounting to a thorough dismantling of their roster. If it means getting James, George and Leonard, the best two-way player in the league, top executives Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka won’t think twice.
A thaw in the rivalry
Mike Krukow, the revered Giants broadcaster who has cut back his travel due to a debilitating condition in his legs, had a rough time at Dodger Stadium when the Giants visited in April. After a harrowing experience trying to negotiate the steep steps leading down to the visitors’ booth, he concluded he’d never be able to work there again. “I was massively depressed,” said Krukow, who grew up watching games at Chavez Ravine and likes nothing better than calling a Giants-Dodgers game. Behold the reprieve: Thanks to Giants president Larry Baer and public-relations head Maria Jacinto, a plea went out on Krukow’s behalf, and the Dodgers installed hand railings to ease his passage. “I’m so stoked, but not surprised,” said Krukow. “The Dodgers have always treated us (broadcasters) like royalty.” ... If only the Dodgers had any idea how they torture the fan experience. Our Henry Schulman put it best, saying Dodger Stadium’s atmosphere is “ruined by noise. Constant, ear-splitting noise.” ... Great news for Krukow fans: Between now and Aug. 17, the Giants won’t play east of Denver. Hard to recall such a favorable two-month travel schedule in any season ... What a treat to watch Matt Duffy playing a regular third base for Tampa Bay. He was hitting .316 heading into Friday night’s play, featuring a walk-off single against Toronto and a gameopening homer at Yankee Stadium this week.
The World Cup’s first-round format means we get to watch the great Cristiano Ronaldo in at least two more matches. Let’s hope it’s even more. The Portugese striker had a hattrick performance for the ages in Friday’s 3-3 draw with Spain, and his free-kick goal in the 88th minute minute was the epitome of power and placement ... Staying true to form as an odd man out, Terrell Owens says he’ll skip the NFL’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Good. Nobody’s going to miss the King of Drops. Respected Hall of Fame voter and former New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers says he wouldn’t have voted for Owens if he’d known this — and wonders why he voted for him at all. “The bottom line on T.O. is he was so disruptive,” Myers told the Dan Patrick Show. “He tore teams apart. He’s a Hall of Fame player that five teams couldn’t wait to get rid of.” ... More good tennis news from the Silicon Valley Classic ( July 30-Aug. 5) in San Jose: Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka has joined the field including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Madison Keys and CoCo Vandeweghe.