NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers To Choose Klay Thompson Over Kawhi Leonard in 2019?

The 2019 Free Agent class will have a host of great players who could easily change the course of a team’s purpose. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams expected to be in the market of adding some fresh talent. Two of the names who will draw big interest from Magic Johnson is Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard.

According to Bleacher Report, there are rumors that the Lakers would prefer Thompson over Leonard. And while that may seem as a stretch for many, the Lakers are wise in making that decision. For one, they already have LeBron James who just happens to play the same position. Why is there a need to add another high-priced player to a role already occupied by one of the best in the league? Secondly, what will the Los Angles Lakers do with their other two young players in Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma? There is no room for Leonard on this team.

And third, the Lakers are in desperate need of a SG. What better player will be on the market who can come close to what Klay Thompson can do and the experience he brings to a team who needs it?

The Lakers are currently praying Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has some magical breakout year but the truth is, he’s already hit his ceiling. Yes, both players will come with risk, especially on the financial side of the coin but it may be worth it.

According to Ramona Shelburne, Thompson is the best fit for the Los Angeles Lakers.

In terms of who they target next year, it’s whoever wants to come. My feeling about it, my sense from just talking to people in and around this [is that] one, it’s a little early, but I think they like Mychal’s boy. I think that would be the guy, in terms of skillset and how that would fit. Obviously Kawhi [Leonard], he’s a great player as well, but we’ll see if he stays in Toronto now. But I think they like Klay [Thompson].

In 2019, the Lakers could very well have a lineup that features, Kuzma, LeBron, Lonzo Ball, and Thompson. With Thompson gone, this Lakers team could actually challenge the Golden State Warriors in the West. If you’re worried about the money then don’t. The Lakers will have close to $38 million in cap space in 2019 and that equals enough to add another max player to their roster. What all this will come down to is if Klay Thompson is ready to move from under the shadow of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

If he ready, then going to the Lakers may be a done deal thanks to his ties to the team due to his father. Despite the learning curve the Los Angeles Lakers will go through this season, 2019 is shaping up to be the game changer for the team.

Mark Wilson

Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.