The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are still believed to be locked in trade talks over Kawhi Leonard.But a deal for the two-time All-Star doesn't appear to be getting closer.According to Spectrum SportsNet's Larry Coon, that's because the Spurs are proving to be tough negotiators and have made a huge request.

Paying a heavy price

Coon reports that the Texas-based outfit has asked the Lakers for a package that includes Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, two first-round draft picks and swapping two more draft picks.

It's clear that Los Angeles will have to pay a steep price if they're to land their man before the start of the regular season.

San Antonio is determined not to give him up without getting exactly what they want and won't settle for anything less.

Yahoo Sports' Jordan Schultz reported last week that the Philadelphia 76ers were asked to give up three future first-round picks and two players currently on their roster.

This shows that the Spurs are driving a hard bargain even though Leonard has just one year remaining on his contract and has signalled his intention to leave the franchise.

His preferred destination is the Lakers and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has stated that his desire to move back to his hometown hasn't changed.

Leverage

But the urgency for LA to acquire him certainly has after they pulled off the huge coup of landing LeBron James.

President Magic Johnson can now afford to be patient and weigh up his options instead of giving up so many assets to bring in the Spurs superstar.

LeBron's arrival gives them extra leverage in negotiations as they can bide their team and go into the season without Kawhi.

Heading into the new campaign with the 27-year-old on their roster won't be the best scenario for the Spurs as his contract will be running down with each month that passes.

This will make it even harder for them to get a substantial deal in return.

The Lakers are clearly focused on constructing a roster around James and are not putting all their efforts into signing the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

They've agreed one-year deals with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo.

If they are confident that Leonard wants to join them, they have an option to wait until next summer and sign him as a free agent.

But they chose to do that with Paul George last year and it backfired as he re-signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

At this stage, it would appear that the ball is in the Lakers' court and it'll be intriguing to see if they go all in on the former Finals MVP or choose to bide their time.

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