Report: Execs think Kawhi Leonard could threaten to sit out season

Now that LeBron James has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, could Kawhi Leonard pull a power move to force his way to LA? That’s what some are thinking.

After LeBron’s decision to join the Lakers was announced on Sunday night, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was on TV talking about the situation. According to Smith, there is a sense among NBA executives that Kawhi could threaten to sit out next season if the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers are unable to work out a trade for the former NBA Finals MVP.

“According to a couple of other executives, because of the personality of Kawhi Leonard and what transpired last season, they said don’t rule out the possibility of Kawhi Leonard sitting out next season before he’s willing to come back to the San Antonio Spurs,” Smith said.

Smith went on to say it would be “unprofessional and unfair” if Leonard went this particular route.

Leonard has made it clear that he no longer wants to play for the Spurs and that he wants to go to the Lakers (Spurs fans can thank Tony Parker for that). Sitting out next season would be an extreme measure, but would also reinforce just how serious Leonard is about getting to L.A.

The question is: Will the Spurs actually be willing to deal Leonard to LA or anyone else?