Kawhi Leonard finds himself at the center of one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NBA season. Allegations of salary cap circumvention have entangled him and the Los Angeles Clippers in a major scandal.
If the claims are confirmed, Leonard’s contract could be voided, making him a free agent. That has sparked speculation about his next destination, with PFSN analyst Tim Crean pointing to the Los Angeles Lakers as a possible landing spot.
What Is the Kawhi Leonard’s Salary Cap Scandal That Rocked the Clippers?
The situation started with reports from journalist Pablo Torre suggesting that Leonard may have been involved in a no-show endorsement deal worth $28 million. The claim has since escalated into a full-blown investigation, drawing in the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and the NBA, which is committed to uncovering the truth.
Tim Crean of PFSN has already speculated about where Leonard might land if he were to leave the Clippers. Crean points to the Lakers as a realistic option.
“When Leonard last hit free agency in 2021, reports indicated his final choices were either returning to the Toronto Raptors, fresh off a championship, or joining the Lakers or Clippers in LA,” Crean wrote. He explained that a return to Toronto seems unlikely in 2025, given the team’s current state, but joining LeBron James and Luka Dončić in Los Angeles would be an attractive opportunity.
Crean also highlighted the logistical challenges for the Lakers.
“The challenge is that the Lakers used their MLE to sign Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia this offseason, leaving only the bi-annual exception of $5.1 million for 2025-26. Since they’re currently hard-capped after using the MLE, the Lakers would need to clear $4 million in salary just to use that $5.1 million for Leonard.”
Crean’s analysis highlights both the appeal and the logistical hurdles. Staying in Los Angeles offers Leonard familiarity and star power around him, but the Lakers would need to navigate cap issues carefully, potentially moving or restructuring contracts to create space.
Despite these hurdles, Crean noted that staying in LA could be the simplest personal option for Leonard if he becomes available.
That said, apart from his contract nullified by the NBA, unless the Clippers trade or buy out Leonard, he would not become an unrestricted free agent until 2028, keeping this story in flux.
How Would Leonard’s Move Pan Out for the Lakers?
If Leonard does land with the Lakers, the pairing with Luka Dončić and LeBron James would be headline-worthy. On the surface, it looks like a dream combination.
Leonard is a two-way force who can score efficiently and defend at an elite level. His ability to impact games without dominating the ball addresses a key area the Lakers struggled with last season. The team has often struggled to find the right supporting cast to complement their ball-dominant superstars,
However, there are complications beyond talent. Leonard operates at a deliberate pace, often relying on mid-range shots and half-court sets. Doncic also controls the rhythm of the offense, and King James has always been comfortable orchestrating from the top of the floor.
Combining three stars who prefer control could create moments of stagnation, where each is waiting for the other to make a move, restricting the ball to move freely.
Health is another concern. Leonard’s availability has been inconsistent in recent years, and the Lakers are already managing LeBron’s age and physical demands. Relying heavily on two players who require careful management carries risks, even if the reward could be immense.
Despite the challenges, the upside is clear. A Leonard-Dončić-James trio could turn Los Angeles into one of the most dominant half-court playoff teams in recent memory. It would also provide depth in crunch situations, allowing Leonard to shoulder responsibility on nights when Doncic and James need a breather.
In the end, a move to the Lakers might not be flawless, but it could be enough to reshape the championship landscape. In the NBA, where star power often decides playoff outcomes, even a fragile combination like this might be exactly what Los Angeles needs for their 18th banner.
