Kawhi Leonard Investigation Could Give Lakers Chance At New Big 3

Amidst ongoing investigations into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers over alleged salary cap circumvention involving $28 million for what investigators are calling a “no-show job,” the possibility for Leonard’s contract to be voided is in play. 

For the Clippers’ city rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, this unforeseen situation presents an extraordinary opportunity — the chance to land a six-time All-Star and form a new trio in Purple and Gold.

How Can The Lakers Land Kawhi Leonard?

As the NBA investigation into Leonard’s contract situation unfolds, the repercussions if found guilty can range. According to Article XIII of the CBA, possible consequences include millions of dollars in fines for the Clippers, forfeiture of draft picks, or suspension and fines to owner Steve Ballmer and other personnel.

But the most direct penalty — and the one that could reshape the Western Conference — is the complete voiding of Kawhi Leonard’s contract. This scenario would make the two-time NBA champion an unrestricted free agent.

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For the Lakers specifically, this timing could be providential. The team doesn’t currently have the draft capital to trade for a star after multiple win-now moves. In a normal trade scenario, acquiring Leonard would be virtually impossible without gutting the roster; a contract void, however, changes everything. 

The Lakers’ Perfect Storm

While LeBron James sits on the back end of an illustrious career, his goal coming into this season remains the same. 

Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent and business partner, said to ESPN, “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”

As the roster currently sits, that realistic chance feels distant. But adding Leonard alongside James and Luka Doncic would transform the Lakers into immediate title favorites.

For Kawhi Leonard, the pitch is compelling on multiple levels. Joining the Lakers allows Leonard to stay in his hometown, which was previously stated to be a factor in his decision to leave the Toronto Raptors after their 2019 championship season.

He would also be joining a franchise with 17 championships and proven organizational stability, while escaping a Clippers organization that is potentially facing years of penalties and chaos.

Most importantly, he gets a legitimate shot at a third ring with a ready-made contender rather than rebuilding in uncertainty.

New Big 3 Vision

A Leonard, James, and Doncic trio would create one of the most potent offensive combinations in NBA history while addressing the Lakers’ defensive needs.

On paper, the fit addresses each player’s strengths. Leonard solves the Lakers’ biggest weakness — defense. He remains one of the league’s most versatile defenders with the ability to lock down a team’s best player on any given night.

His presence would allow Doncic’s playmaking genius and scoring versatility to shine on the other end.

James, even at 40, remains one of basketball’s highest-IQ players. Adding Leonard would allow him to conserve energy defensively while prioritizing the exploitation of mismatches and closing games on offense. 

The championship formula is clear: elite defense from Leonard, playmaking from Doncic, and championship experience from James. If the NBA’s investigation opens the door, the Lakers should not hesitate to walk through it.