Lakers Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Pursuit Continues To Limit Los Angeles' Options In 2019 Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers are gambling that they can sign Kawhi Leonard, saving all of their cap space in pursuit of the reigning NBA Finals MVP. It’s a worthwhile risk, one that could end up giving them the league’s next dynasty, but L.A. will be left scrambling for free agents if the superstar chooses to sign with the Toronto Raptors or Los Angeles Clippers instead.

Almost all of the best available role players that were linked to the Lakers went off the board within hours of free agency officially starting Sunday night. J.J. Redick went to the New Orleans Pelicans, Seth Curry agreed to join the Dallas Mavericks, Patrick Beverley re-signed with the Clippers and Terrence Ross stayed with the Orlando Magic, just to name a few.

With Leonard continuing to take his time, other less desirable options have also been snatched up. T.J. McConnell could’ve made sense for the Lakers because of their need for a point guard, but he agreed to a deal with the Indiana Pacers Wednesday. Markieff Morris is off to the Detroit Pistons. Willie Cauley-Stein signed with the Golden State Warriors Tuesday.

If Leonard goes elsewhere, Danny Green will probably be the Lakers’ top target. The problem is Los Angeles has competition for the shooting guard, and he’s expected to re-sign with Toronto if Leonard does the same.

DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Morris might end up taking most of the Lakers’ $32 million in cap space if Leonard doesn’t join the team. Neither player is a perfect fit for the roster, though they are the best free agents that remain unsigned.

Quinn Cook should be on Los Angeles’ radar. The Warriors made the shooting guard an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.

It’s been speculated that the Lakers will add veterans receiving buyouts. Los Angeles is among the favorites to sign Kyle Korver, who is expected to become a free agent after being traded to the Phoenix Suns. With less than half of his $7.5 million salary for next season guaranteed, Korver will reportedly be released, and a reunion with LeBron James in his home state makes a ton of sense.

There had been rumors that Andre Iguodala will receive a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies and sign with the Lakers. Acquiring the 2015 NBA Finals MVP might be difficult since ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has reported that Memphis is exploring the trade market for the veteran, whom they recently acquired from Golden State.

The Houston Rockets and Mavericks reportedly have interest in Iguodala, while the Lakers essentially have nothing to trade.

The Lakers might end up bringing back some veterans that played for the team last year. Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could return with Los Angeles desperate for guards. JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler are options for their backup center.

Don’t be surprised if J.R. Smith finds his way onto the roster.

Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels are the Lakers’ only free-agent signings, thus far, both accepting minimum salary contracts. Most of Los Angeles’ additions will have to play for minimum salary deals.

The Lakers can also sign a player for the $4.767 million room exception.