Jedi32 wrote:Traderwest wrote:Leverage:
Spurs are not in a rush, trade him in December?
Lakers are in a rush, need him as soon as possible
I doubt the Lakers are in a rush. Like I said in another post. Folks didn't even know kawhi wanted out until a few weeks ago. LeBron was supposedly already coming and I doubt a trade for kawhi changes that.
 
If PG is staying in OKC next season, and the Spurs are not motivated to make a deal for Kawhi right now - and they really have no major reason to rush - there is a reasonable chance that LBJ simply stays in Cleveland for another season.
It is not the end of the world for the Lakers...and in some ways, it is actually better - the young guys have another year to play heavy minutes to grow their games...the team does not have to give up any assets to get Kawhi...the Lakers can actually see Kawhi play and make sure that he is healthy before making a committment (and if he is not healthy, they can just sign PG instead next summer).  And the reality is - even if you add Kawhi and LBJ this summer - given the pieces you will likely have to give up to get Kawhi, it will take several high-quality ring-chasers to take short paper to give you guys a shot against the Dubs in 2018-19.
If the Lakers are truly playing the long game to return to greatness, there is no rush - right?