Should Kawhi Leonard Go to the Lakers?

It appears that the Kawhi Leonard and Spurs saga may be coming to an end. Sources have told ESPN that Kawhi Leonard wants out of San Antonio.

Leonard has been at odds with the Spurs practically all season. At the beginning of the season, Leonard missed the first 27 games with a right quad injury. He made his season debut in December, but he was ruled out indefinitely to continue the rehabilitation of his right quad injury. Leonard also suffered a partial tear in his left shoulder during this time.

Leonard was cleared by the Spurs' medical staff, but he wanted a second opinion on his injury. According to ESPN, this is where the tension began. Kawhi grew frustrated with how the Spurs' organization handled the treatment of his quad injury. Leonard felt that the Spurs turned their backs on him once he wanted a second opinion. Ultimately, Kawhi Leonard only played 9 games this season.

In March, the Spurs held a players-only meeting where they asked Kawhi Leonard to play. The meeting was said to be tense. It took place prior to the playoffs starting. Leonard did not play in the play in the playoffs when the Spurs faced the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Now, Leonard is said to want out.

While the Spurs have said Leonard has not asked them for a trade, it seems to be inevitable. Sources say that there is a feeling of betrayal and that it is beyond repair. Kawhi Leonard is eligible for a five-year,$219 million contract extension, but it is unlikely that he'll take it. He can also opt out of his contract next year and become a free agent in 2019. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that Leonard wants to go to the Lakers. If the Spurs are willing to trade, L.A could be his destination. Which I thought was interesting.

At this point, the Spurs are more of a contender than the Lakers. But, they are also getting older. Manu Ginobili is 40-years-old and Tony Parker is 36. The Spurs also have LaMarcus Aldridge who is 32-years-old. The Lakers are inexperienced, but they are a young team in the process of rebuilding. The Lakers have the cap space to sign 1 or 2 max players. LeBron James is a player who's said to consider the Lakers. Paul George is another player whose name keeps getting mentioned. LeBron James is a superstar who is accustomed to fame, praise, and criticism. James also has business ventures such as a production company called SpringHill Entertainment. James would easily adjust to a large market such as L.A. But, I am not sure about Kawhi Leonard.

Throughout his career, Kawhi Leonard has been perceived as a quiet, low-key player. He doesn't talk much and just goes out and competes. Honestly, Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs were the perfect match. The Spurs had a franchise player with a similar personality in Tim Duncan. In San Antonio, Leonard could simply play his game. He didn't have to deal with the same fame as what a player like James does. While Cleveland isn't a large market, LeBron James is a one-of-a-kind player. His fame in Cleveland is will be the same as it is in L.A.

Personally, I don't know how well Kawhi would adjust to a city like L.A. The Lakers want to build a contending team, but it will take time. If Kawhi goes to L.A alone, the Lakers would still have work to do before they are a contender. Can Kawhi handle the potential scrutiny in L.A? However, if another star player joins him in L.A, the pressure won't be solely on Kawhi Leonard. If LeBron James goes to L.A, the focus would be mostly on James. They would also have a chance to become contenders quicker.

If the Lakers have the trade assets to get Kawhi Leonard, I say go for it. It is hard to pass up on a player with his talent. But, Kawhi must be certain this is what he wants. If he wants to leave the Spurs, he wants to leave. At this point, the situation is beyond repair. It is best for both sides to move on. I just think Kawhi should consider his options more before deciding L.A is his preferred destination. There are other teams who can use him who might be better fits. For example, if he went to the Celtics, he could join a contending team. Boston is a larger market than San Antonio, but he'd be alongside Kyrie Irving and a group of young players like Jayson Tatum. That could be a better fit than L.A.

In conclusion, while I do think Kawhi Leonard should leave, he should also consider other options besides L.A. I'm not sure if a larger market is right for him or his personality.