Earlier this week, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers believe that acquiring San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard would likely "clinch" also landing LeBron James.
As it turns out, the Lakers might not be alone.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Philadelphia 76ers are also under the impression that trading for Leonard would make themselves the favorites to sign the 4-time MVP. James has until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday night to exercise the one-year player option remaining on his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Per Stein:
The Spurs have until the N.B.A.’s annual trade deadline in February 2019 to keep weighing their options before they risk losing Leonard without compensation when he becomes a free agent next summer.
But the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers have been pressing the Spurs to trade Leonard this week, as both teams believe that acquiring Leonard would put them in the pole position to try to sign LeBron James away from the Cleveland Cavaliers when free agency starts Sunday at 12:01 a.m., Eastern time.
A 2-time All-NBA selection, Leonard requested a trade from the Spurs earlier this month. Since then, San Antonio has reportedly engaged in trade talks with the Lakers and Boston Celtics regarding the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.
Although Leonard has made his preference of playing for his hometown Lakers known, the Sixers possess the ability to potentially put together a more compelling trade package. In order to do so, however, Philadelphia would have to gauge its ability to retain Leonard past the upcoming season, as he can opt out of his contract to become a free agent in the summer of 2019.
As for the Cavs, they too have reportedly inquired with the Spurs about Leonard, although they likely doesn't currently possess the assets for such trade. Nevertheless, as James' deadline nears, all eyes shift toward Cleveland for should finally be some clarity regarding his free agent decision.
For all the latest on James' free agency, follow our LeBron James 2018 free agency rumor tracker.
