The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs understand what it would mean if Kawhi Leonard were to go to Hollywood.
Both teams reportedly believe a trade for Leonard would be enough to entice four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and sign with the Lakers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne, and Brian Windhorst.
After having the door shut on them originally, the Lakers have managed to re-open trade talks with the Spurs in an effort to acquire Leonard, even though San Antonio still desires to fix its relationship with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Knowing the Lakers are feeling pressure to get a deal done could result in the Spurs commanding more assets in exchange.
A combination of Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Julius Randle in a sign-and-trade could sway San Antonio. The Lakers are also working diligently to obtain another first rounder, and are reportedly willing to take on salary to accomplish that.
Leonard's preference is to play for his hometown Lakers, and with one year remaining on his current deal before hitting free agency in 2019, the forward could just sign with the organization if he were to remain in San Antonio for the 2018-19 campaign.
Meanwhile, James has until Friday night to decide whether he's going to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Cavaliers. The 33-year-old reportedly has no desire to draw out his decision, which is why the Lakers are on the clock in regard to procuring Leonard to make themselves a more desirable landing spot.
Leonard played just nine games this past season because of a lingering quad issue. He was a top-three MVP finalist the year prior, finishing ninth in the Association in scoring at 25.5 points per game with a 27.6 player efficiency rating (third).
