The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to bold moves. With the Western Conference shaping up to be a gauntlet-stacked with teams like the Thunder, Rockets, and Nuggets-the Lakers are reportedly exploring every possible angle to solidify their championship odds.
And now, one of the most intriguing (and controversial) trade possibilities on the table? Kawhi Leonard, from none other than their crosstown rival, the LA Clippers.
Yes, you read that right.
It’s a hypothetical scenario that would’ve sounded absurd not long ago. The Clippers and Lakers don’t just share a city and an arena-they share a deeply rooted rivalry.
One built on years of tension, unmet expectations (mostly on the Clippers’ side), and the ever-present shadow cast by the Lakers’ championship legacy. But this season?
The gap between the two franchises has widened dramatically.
While the Lakers have jumped out to an 18-7 start and look like a serious playoff threat-if not quite a juggernaut-the Clippers have stumbled out of the gate. At 6-20, they’re not just underperforming; they’re teetering on the edge of irrelevance. Add in the off-court drama surrounding alleged salary cap violations tied to Kawhi Leonard, and it’s clear this season has not gone according to plan in Clipperland.
So what happens now?
If the Clippers decide to punt on the season and look toward a summer reset, moving Kawhi Leonard-yes, even Kawhi-could be on the table. And while Leonard comes with his share of baggage (injury history, off-court noise, and a sometimes enigmatic presence), his on-court production remains undeniable.
He’s averaging 25 points per game, shooting efficiently, leading the league in free-throw percentage, and still bringing it on the defensive end. When he plays, he’s still a force.
And come playoff time, few players have a more proven track record.
That’s where the Lakers come in.
This might be the last season they can maximize Austin Reaves’ current contract number in a trade, and with LeBron James still producing at a high level, the time to go all-in is now. The idea of adding Kawhi to a core that already includes LeBron, Reaves, and Luka Doncic (in this proposed scenario) is tantalizing. It’s the kind of swing-for-the-fences move that could reshape the Western Conference.
A potential three-team trade proposal has been floated, one that would send Leonard to the Lakers while the Clippers receive a package centered around expiring contracts (Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent), a 2030 first-round pick swap, and Jarred Vanderbilt’s multi-year deal. The Brooklyn Nets would also be involved, taking on a contract and receiving a second-round pick and a young off-ball player in Knecht.
For the Clippers, it’s not a haul that screams “franchise-altering,” but it does offer cap flexibility and a future draft asset-two things that could be valuable as they try to retool. And while the idea of trading Leonard to the Lakers might sting, the Clippers may have to prioritize pragmatism over pride.
From the Lakers’ perspective, the cost is surprisingly manageable. They’d still hold onto their most valuable first-round pick, and while Hachimura and Vincent are solid rotation guys, they’re not irreplaceable-especially if Leonard steps into a starting role.
Picture this: a playoff starting five of Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Deandre Ayton. That’s a lineup built for postseason basketball-versatile, switchable, and loaded with offensive firepower. Leonard wouldn’t need to carry the scoring load; instead, he could focus on what he does best in the playoffs: timely buckets, elite defense, and clutch performances.
Beyond that, the Lakers would become the go-to destination for buyout candidates. Veterans looking for a ring would be lining up to join that group. Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart could round out the playoff rotation, with reinforcements likely to follow.
Of course, there’s risk. Leonard’s health is always a question mark, and the chemistry between stars isn’t guaranteed.
But the Lakers aren’t beating the Thunder or Nuggets by playing it safe. If they want to make a real run, they’ll need to take a leap.
And if that leap includes Kawhi Leonard-joining forces with LeBron James and Luka Doncic to chase a title in purple and gold-it would be one of the most dramatic twists in recent NBA memory.
For Leonard, winning a championship with the Lakers after the Clippers’ failed experiment? That wouldn’t just be a redemption arc-it would be Hollywood-level irony.