The next week will be a defining period for the Los Angeles Lakers as they seek to acquire multiple marquee free agents.It's no secret that the franchise has been gearing up for July 1 all season long and pulled off necessary trades midway through the campaign to free up two max contract slots on their roster.The hope in L.A. is that LeBron James and Paul George - the two biggest free agents on the market - will fill them.
Major development
But before free agency even begins, the Lakers are hoping to conclude a blockbuster trade to bring in another superstar.
To their delight, Kawhi Leonard recently requested a move away from the San Antonio Spurs and indicated a preference to join the Purple and Gold.
Los Angeles wasted little time in contacting the Spurs soon after that news broke but they were given short shrift as the Texas-based outfit made it clear that were not interested in negotiating a deal, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
However, it now appears that this may have developed this week as Shelburne, along with fellow ESPN insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst, reported that the two teams have re-engaged on trade talks for the two-time All-Star.
According to the report: "The stakes on these talks are enormous because the teams believe a deal for Leonard would likely clinch a free-agent commitment out of LeBron James to the Lakers.
"James has until late Friday night to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers."
Getting a deal done for the Spurs small forward by Friday would seem unrealistic as San Antonio is unlikely to sanction a move for their star player hastily.
They're also still hoping to find a way to repair their fractured relationship with the 26-year-old but a huge offer from the Lakers may convince them to part with the wantaway forward.
Securing the best deal possible
The Spurs are well aware that this trade could potentially mean that LeBron also takes his talents to California and they will command a huge package to agree to it.
That will most likely include multiple young players and draft picks in return for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The likes of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma are likely to be made available in talks and it'll be interesting to see if the Spurs believe their talent is good enough to give up their biggest asset.
ESPN reports that the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers have made offers to San Antonio for Kawhi.
But if the former Finals MVP informs the interested teams that he'll only be a one-year rental before signing with the Lakers as a free agent in 2019, that would give the team from Tinseltown a major advantage.
The next seven days are shaping up to be crucial in determining the Lakers' future.
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