Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

LA Lakers source reacts to Kawhi Leonard refusing to team up with LeBron James

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 11:11 AM ET

There has been plenty of speculation about why Kawhi Leonard turned down the Lakers in 2019, with a recent report suggesting it had to do with not wanting to team up with LeBron James. We are now getting a sense of how the franchise feels about it all these years later.

His decision to sign with the Clippers was not just about switching teams – it felt like a statement moment that helped reshape their future.

A year earlier, he had reportedly wanted out of San Antonio and saw Los Angeles as his preferred destination, though he ultimately ended up in Toronto.

By then, he led Toronto to an NBA title and became one of the most coveted free agents on the market. In the end, though, he turned down a late push from the Lakers and chose the Clippers instead.

LA Lakers thankful they did not sign Kawhi Leonard in 2019

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Following a report that Kawhi Leonard did not want to join the LA Lakers because he was not keen on playing with LeBron James, someone inside the organisation has spoken up.

An anonymous source told Lakers Daily that while they were initially interested in bringing Kawhi in back in 2019, looking at how things have unfolded since, there is no real regret over missing out.

Actually, there is even some sympathy regarding how things have gone for the Clippers.

“We wanted him in 2019, but we count our blessings all the time he’s not here. He’s been such a headache for the Clippers. I actually feel bad for them sometimes.”

Since joining the LA Clippers in 2019, Leonard has participated in 293 of a possible 517 games, missing 224.

The cost of those injuries has been substantial, both on and off the court.

LA Clippers could regret the Kawhi Leonard signing

At the moment, the LA Clippers’ focus is less on how many games Leonard has missed and more on the investigation into his deal with Aspiration.

Steve Ballmer has put the blame on Aspiration for the controversy, saying that the company went ahead with their support of Leonard without informing them.

The Clippers are working with the NBA throughout this process and are hoping to be cleared of any involvement. But if they are found guilty, both Ballmer and the organisation could face heavy consequences.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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