Stunning Truth: Kawhi Leonard Snubbed the Los Angeles Lakers In 2019
In the summer of 2019, Kawhi Leonard would snub the Lakers during free agency. The NBA world held its breath. The Lakers were chasing a dynasty, LeBron James was waiting with open arms, and Leonard—fresh off delivering Toronto its first championship—was the crown jewel of free agency.
Lakers fans envisioned parades, banners, and a “Big Three” for the ages. Instead, Leonard delivered a cold shoulder worthy of a Finals MVP. Reports now confirm what many suspected all along: He never wanted to play with James, and his decision to snub the Lakers sent shockwaves through the league.
Why Did Kawhi Leonard Snub the Lakers In 2019?
The Lakers thought they were on the verge of forming the ultimate Hollywood super-team: James, Anthony Davis, and Leonard. The champagne was practically on ice. But then reality hit; Leonard said, “Nah.” And the reason? According to multiple reports, he didn’t want to play with James. It wasn’t about money. It wasn’t about Los Angeles traffic. He didn’t want to be the Robin to James’ Batman.
Kawhi’s Low-Key Courtship
Fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to their first championship, Leonard entered free agency as the NBA’s most coveted star. The Lakers pulled out all the stops. Magic Johnson tried pitching him. LeBron and AD cleared the runway. The Lakers even delayed filling out their roster, waiting on Leonard’s decision.
However, insiders later revealed Leonard and his uncle, Dennis Robertson, weren’t feeling it. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported at the time that he was never going to the Lakers—flat out. The idea of joining a LeBron-led “super team” didn’t appeal to him. Kawhi wanted control, not to orbit around LeBron’s sun.
LeBron? Thanks, But I’ll pass.
Playing with James can be a blessing and a curse. You’re almost guaranteed contention, but you’re also guaranteed headlines, spotlight, and criticism if things go sideways. For Leonard, whose personality is quieter than a library after hours, that wasn’t the vibe. Some league insiders even suggested Leonard used the Lakers’ pursuit as leverage to push the Clippers. By dragging out the decision, he gave the Clippers time to swing a massive trade for Paul George—securing the wingman he actually wanted—smooth move.
Clippers Get Their Guy
Once the Clippers landed George and Leonard signed, the balance of power in LA shifted. The Clippers celebrated like they’d stolen the Lakers’ lunch money. They unveiled Leonard and PG in front of adoring fans, flexing as the city’s “other” franchise finally had its superstar duo. For Leonard, it was perfect. The Clippers let him run the show, gave him space, and avoided the bright lights of the Lakers’ daily soap opera. He got LA without the LeBron orbit.
Fan Reactions: Heartbreak vs. Hype
Lakers fans? Devastated. Social media that summer looked like a funeral, with memes of James staring out windows and crying Jordan faces plastered on Leonard’s stoic mug. For a week, it felt like he was teasing the Lakers before pulling the rug. However, for Clippers fans, this was Christmas in July. They’d been living in the Lakers’ shadow for decades, and now they had the Finals MVP choosing them over James. The billboards around Staples (sorry, Crypto.com Arena) practically screamed, “We run LA now.”
How the Decision Aged
Here’s where things get spicy. The Lakers rebounded by signing role players, then won the 2020 championship in the Orlando bubble. James got his fourth ring, AD proved himself, and Lakers Nation got the last laugh. The Clippers? Not so much. Between injuries to Leonard and George and a couple of playoff collapses (hello, 3–1 choke job against Denver), they haven’t reached the Finals. Leonard has had flashes of brilliance, but durability has been the nagging storyline.
Looking back, this decision still makes sense. He didn’t want to join a super-team. He wanted his own lane, his own co-star, and less drama. But as far as results? The Lakers ended up hoisting the trophy, while the Clippers are still waiting for their first trip to the Finals.
Conclusion
The Leonard snub by the Lakers in 2019 wasn’t just a free agency decision—it was a personality clash. His personality doesn’t align with that of James, and he chose authenticity over the glamour of Hollywood. Lakers fans might still wonder what could’ve been, but Leonard did what he always does: keep quiet, play his game, and let the chips fall where they may. In hindsight, he may have avoided James’ shadow, but he also missed out on that 2020 ring. And that, as they say, is the irony of the silent superstar’s loudest decision.
