NBA trade news: Kawhi Leonard ‘will head to LA and wear a Lakers uniform’

The San Antonio Spurs traded the 27-year-old – and Danny Green – to the Toronto Raptors earlier this month for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick.

However, the small forward has a player option in his current contract, meaning he can become a free agent after just one season with the Raptors.

It’s said that Leonard is keen to play in Los Angeles, with the Lakers and the Clippers both possible landing spots for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

And Fox Sports’ Gottlieb says there is a small change Leonard decides to stay in Toronto, however, he sees him in a Lakers jersey next summer.

“Kawhi’s a different cat now and while you always think LA, sometimes you’re like: ‘Man, I love that it’s 75 and sunny every single day, but there is a difference to that lifestyle,” Gottlieb said.

“Maybe the fact that everywhere LeBron [James] goes, there’s cameras and attention – and he’s not into that.

“But maybe that is his lifestyle and he does love it.

“Look, I think he’s going to LA. I think he’ll wear a Laker uniform. The Lakers think he’ll wear a Lakers uniform and most people in the NBA do.

“But I give it a better than you think chance [of Leonard staying in Toronto] because they did have the best record in the east, they’re going to build around him and they’ve got a shot [of winning the title].

“Instead of a recruiting visit, it’s a: ‘Come and play here for a year and if you don’t want to stay, fine’.”

Should Leonard head to the Lakers, he will be joined by LeBron James, who penned a four-year contract in LA this summer.