The star forward’s desire to leave the San Antonio Spurs became clear on Friday morning, when the San Antonio Express News first reported he wants to be traded.
The Lakers have long been among his preferred destinations, if not the preferred destination, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly. Leonard, who was born in Los Angeles, went to high school in Riverside County before playing college basketball at San Diego State.
While the Lakers are open to trading any player on their roster for the right offer, how much they are willing to give up for Leonard will depend on the severity of Leonard’s quadriceps injury.